Herne Hill Harriers fought off local rivals to claim first team prize in a 10K race at Brockwell Park held on behalf of the Emer Casey Foundation.

With 160 competitors including representatives from several local running clubs, the prize for the first team shaped into an exciting contest.

But, with three runners finishing in the top 10 places, Herne Hill Harriers got ahead of the chasing pack by drawing on their knowledge and experience of a local, yet demanding course.

The 10K race was organised by Herne Hill Harriers on behalf of the Emer Casey Foundation, a charity set up to improve understanding and detection of ovarian and uterine cancer through funding and research.

Elsewhere, the Harriers’ Young Athletes Coach, James McDonald, was in for a very pleasant surprise on his 50th birthday when he was presented with a £1,000 donation from his young athletes to go towards his charity bike ride.

After receiving the cheque, James said: “I was speechless. The whole thing was surreal, exciting and humbling all at the same time. I am very grateful and would like to give my heartfelt thanks to all young athletes, parents and friends at the club who have made this enormous donation.”