This was my first time competing in the Abbots Langley Tough 10, and I’d been warned that it lived up to its name. The course was said to be challenging, with a lot of road running involved. I was a bit anxious because the route would take us onto main roads, and I wasn’t sure if they’d be closed off or if we’d have to run with cars around us.

The race distance was supposed to be 3km, with plenty of uphill sections, especially towards the end where the climb was going to be tough. On the morning of the race, my dad and I drove around the route so I could get a feel for the roads I’d be running on, and the night before, I’d studied the route map to make sure I was prepared.

On the 5th of October, I went to run the 5K ParkRun at Northala Fields. Lately, I’ve started running more regularly at this location because I was told it’s flatter, and it’s a single lap course, unlike Harrow ParkRun where I’d been doing three laps. My Dad also found a really nice community of runners there, with lots of adults who’ve been eager to help and support me. Since ParkRun requires children under 11 to run with a responsible adult, my Dad always has to find someone to run alongside me during the race.

I’d already run at Northala Fields a couple of times before and managed to set a personal best (PB) of 19:34. But this time, I was determined to beat that time. As usual, my Dad had arranged for someone to run with me, and I was really focused on my goal: to break into the 18-minute range for a 5K ParkRun before I turn 10.

My dad signed me up for this fun run for the first time, and I was really excited to take part. However, I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed at first because I had to enter the Year 4 and 5 race, which was only 1.3km. I had really wanted to run in the Year 6 and 7 race, which was 2.6km, but because of my age, I wasn’t allowed. I love running longer distances – my favourite is the 5K ParkRun – and I always feel like I perform better in longer races where I can really use my stamina.

That said, I was still determined to do my best and win the Year 4 and 5 race, which was for the Under 10s. My strategy, as always, was to take an early lead, then try to extend it and wear everyone else out. This time, I came with my sister and a friend from school. My friend is in Year 6, so he was running in the Under 12s, 2.6km race, while my sister was entered in the Girls’ 1.3km race.

T oday, I had the opportunity to compete in the Welwyn Fun Run held at Panshanger Park. It’s an event I had been eagerly anticipating, knowing it would be a great chance to challenge myself and see how I could perform against other runners. The course was a 2K stretch, set amidst the scenic yet demanding landscape of Panshanger Park, featuring a notably steep incline that posed a real test. I knew from the start that the climb would be a crucial part of the race, and I mentally prepared myself to tackle it with everything I had.

As the race began, I felt a surge of excitement and determination, pushing off the start line with my usual focus on securing that first place. I’ve always aimed to finish in the top spot and push my limits as much as possible. The initial sections of the course were manageable, and I maintained a strong pace, working hard to stay in the lead or at least close to it. However, the incline soon presented itself, and it became clear that this race was going to be an uphill battle—literally and figuratively.