It was a grey start to the morning of the 27th Bearbrook 10k, and when I arrived, Up & Running Phil was busy setting up the finish funnel, and beyond him the rugby fields were slowly filling up with runners' cars . .

There were still some places left in the race and there were lots of lovely ladies all ready to process the entries and to ensure that the results were produced smoothly . .

Whilst elsewhere there was a brisk trade in refreshments (the bacon smelt so tempting but a photographer doesn't have a moment to spare you know) . . and the marshals were making sure they knew were they were expected . . 

But outside . . well we got the clock to work last year . .

As time passed by the area around the pavilion filled up, and I was resigned to taking dull photos with a grey sky behind the runners . .

Inside the pavilion, marshals were still checking that they were headed for the right place . .

But outside at the finish . . things don't seem to have got any better . .

And then the sun came out . . and the top layers came off, and people from different clubs began to gather, including these Five Little Maids of Tring . .

And as the race start time of 10 am approached, we all began to edge towards the exit to the field, to where the start takes place . .