05 Aug 2025
The founder of the Herts 10K has dismissed suggestions that this year’s event has been cancelled due to its “unpopularity”.
Lawrence Levy set up the event in 2006 to raise money for what was then Grove House Hospice, and is devastated that the 20th year will pass without recognition.
But he said the reason behind the cancellation is certainly not down to a lack of interest.
The race raises funds for Rennie Grove Peace, a charity which provides specialist care and support for adults and children with a life-limiting illness – and has raised a little under £2m since it was started.
Year after year, runners return – some in the hope of setting a new personal best whilst others are keen to enjoy the camaraderie and experience of being part of such a historic and meaningful event.
But after years of taking place in the grounds of Rothamsted Research in Harpenden, behind-the-scenes changes at the agricultural centre resulted in it relocating to Herts County Showground, which proved less successful for competitors.
However, Lawrence said it was still a major event on the local running calendar, despite a ‘spokesperson’ for RGP suggesting it was not as popular as it once was. Last year’s race saw 660 people participate in the main 10K, plus a 5K and 1.5K family fun run, including St Albans Times editor Matt Adams.
Lawrence said: “The truth is that having spent years building up the event at Rothamsted, the new location of the showground just didn’t work logistically or capture the excitement of this hugely successful fundraising event for the hospice.
“We certainly wanted to commemorate the 20th anniversary event in style this October, so it’s a real shame that it will not be taking place.
“I would appeal to anyone who thinks they might have suitable facilities to get in touch, and we would like to re-engage with Rothamsted Research about holding the event in the future.”
