As the Standalone 10k prepares for it's 30th anniversary race this Sunday, we spoke to Richard Harbon, President of the North Herts Road Runners, to get his memories of the event and a bit more besides.
- Tell us a little bit about your background.
I am originally from Doncaster. I went to Birmingham University where I studied civil engineering. I ended up in Hertfordshire working with a civil engineering company on roads such as the M25. In 1986 I joined the police and the following year I married Jo.
I started running after Katie, my second daughter was born. I am a general sports enthusiast but you could say my true loves are rugby and mountain walking. I would have liked to have played cricket more.
When not being active, I have to confess I just love red wine and fish and chips.
- How did you get involved with North Herts Road Runners and when?
I joined NHRR in 1995, and have been President for last 7 years. I have been involved in the Standalone 10k for the last 22 years. It was actually Jo that got me involved in running, before then running was something I did to get fit for rugby. It was a truly life changing decision. I have made life long friends, done some amazing things and not had a day off sick from work since.
- Why do you think the NHRR have enjoyed such longevity as a club?
The club celebrated its 30th year last year. We have survived because we have been lucky enough to have had some fantastic members who care deeply about the club. Our motto is “running for all abilities and backgrounds”.
We have always had a very welcoming attitude and this is shown in how many of our members stay and get involved.
As for the Standalone 10k, it started as a fun event and nearly ceased to exist about 15 years ago when the authorities told us to run in a field, as it is dangerous to run on the road.
A small group of us fought against this and learnt all sorts of skills about road closures, traffic management and risk assessments to ensure the event kept going. We also learnt the concept of how to put on a good enjoyable race and a fun community event. It great that it has grown in strength year on year.
- Do you know how many people took part in the 1987 event and how many have signed up for this year’s event?
The first event was an off-shoot of the earlier Letchworth half marathon, organised by the Rotary Club. I don’t know the exact numbers for the first event but it was about 250. We have tracked down the winners of the men’s and women’s event in 1987. Sadly the man has died, but the winner of the ladies event is attending this year to give prizes out which is fantastic.
- Any good memories to share from 1987? (Where did you live, where were you working, who was your favourite band etc.?)
I married Jo on 4th April 1987 so we have also been married for 30 years this year. That is a very good memory. We honeymooned on a sailing boat on the Caledonian canal in Scotland. We lived together in Hitchin before moving to Baldock in the height of the first peak in house price rises.
I had joined Herts Police in 1986 and was based at St Albans in 1987. My first arrest was a flasher.
I saw Bruce Springsteen for the first time in 1987 and loved him ever since. I also played rugby for Letchworth Rugby Club, another great decision in my life. Rugby is a character building sport and I remain friends with all my playing colleagues to this day.
- Tell us about any highlights over the years. Do you have a particular memory of something that has stayed with you?
The main highlights about Standalone are 3 things. I love the start on Wilbury Road when all the runners leg it down the hill. The early events started in the farm on the hard standing. They had to cross the cattle grid in those days.
I love to see all the children in the fun run coming down the finish straight with great big grins.
I am very proud that we have overcome so many difficulties over the years to keep the race on and all of it overseen by volunteers.
In the early years there was no e-mail or internet, everything was done on paper. We used to have social dos to sort out all the entries. Finishing was done by stop watch and always fraught with difficulties. An earlier Race Director burst into tears when the basic results service we had failed completely. Now it’s all chip timing, online entries and results delivered to your phone by text.
- What’s different about this year’s event?
The best thing is the strengthening partnerships. For the first time we have partners coming to us to offer help and support. This doesn’t include the Heritage Foundation. They have always been a great support.
- If you could achieve one thing from this anniversary event, what would it be?
My aim is always a safe and enjoyable event. Getting everyone round in one piece is the priority. However, I would love to have 1500 happy runners and 400 even happier kids come to the farm, run as fast as they can and go home smiling. All in warm October sunshine.
- What do you think is the club’s legacy 30 years on?
The club is part of the community of Letchworth and I think this will be our lasting legacy. We like to shape our part in the community, to give back and enhance the for future generations to enjoy running.
- What do you think is the biggest barrier to getting people involved in running?
For women, sadly there is still too much fear about their body image. That’s what my wife and daughter said. As for men, perhaps too much testosterone and not wanting to come last. I didn’t join at first because I feared coming last!
- What would you like to do in Letchworth to get people more active?
Having a proper joined up plan. Letchworth is a perfect place to bring all the agencies together and focus on health and well being. We need to get everyone together to plan and be proactive when it comes to physical activity. Obviously a proper running track would help too…
Any other thoughts or comments you’d like to share?
A big thank you to all my friends in NHRR who have helped make the Standalone 10k the race it is.
Standalone could never be the event it is without the help and support from the Heritage Foundation. You have been marvellous partners over the years. Thank you.
Oh and I would love to be around to see the Standalone 10k celebrate 50 years of running from Standalone Farm.
