Stansted 10k Janet Bradshaw reports: I had been warned that this was a tough one, but the first 3km were quite easy, lulling us into a false sense of security. It was all hills from then on, with a killer at 7 and 8km. Margit and her dog Frieda overtook me at the bottom of the 7km hill, and made it all look so easy! The race was very well organised, with several water stations, and was hard to fault. I finished in 55:10, which while not a PB was nonetheless pleasing, as it was a tough course. I was delighted to find out later that I was 17th lady out of 145. Margit and Frieda were joint 15th ... very well done to them! Margit Wendelberger-James reports: Not such a scorching day on this bi-annual event - last time the temperatures soared into the 90's and I almost passed out at the end. John and I and my four-legged running buddy Frieda were all taking part - the 11o'clock start allowed for a leisurely morning, and we arrived well on time as this is very local for us. Frieda was in her usual form, and after a frantic barking session at the start we were away - overtaking quite a few runners as I was told to start from the back, and there were many fun runners and children on the course. The sunny and slightly breezy conditions made for comfortable running, and the mixed terrain course certainly offered some challenges to the brain as well as to the legs. After having trawled the first 2 miles or so through a housing estate, the open country made a welcome change. Frieda and I loved the undulations and the change of scenery, from cows to sheep to little cottages and meadows. After the last climb up a field into Stansted, the race finished on Bentfield Green where it had started. The verdict: a great local mixed terrain race with a friendly atmosphere, good post race facilities (sports massage, osteopathy, plenty of water and sponges to cool down) and little distance to travel, makes this one of my local favourites in the summer. We did not however see many Striders (but many yellow and green B/S vests) - hope that will change next time! Best running paws forward! Margit, John and Frieda, the four-legged Strider