As I walked back down to Race HQ, I passed that welcome 9k marker, the sign that tells you to give it all you've got left for the last thousand metres . . and saw the marshals waiting for the final three competitors, whilst others returned with the signs from the early stages of the race . .

And the Ampthill mob already had their post-race picnic under way . .

We couldn't have an event like this without these 2 ladies and their colleagues . . nor without the many volunteers who give up so much time to plan and stage the race . .

Inevitably runners gather together with their club mates after the race . . the Chiltern Harriers, Vegetarian & Cycling, and Abingdon clubs are all shown here . .

We just can't wait for those results, can we!!

Unless of course we'd rather re-fuel - here's the queue for the excellent refreshments . .

Steve looks worried as he awaits the final 3 runners . . whilst everyone else gathers for the prizegiving . .

On the left, some of my club mates from Tring celebrate winning the Men's team event for the first time . . and finally, 98 minutes after the race began, I put my cameras down and set off for home . .