Sleet, rain, wind, bitter cold – and of course, that almighty difficult course. This year’s 10k run was a huge test.

Walking up to the start – with the rain pelting down horizontal – you couldn’t help put feel Steve Prescott was looking down from the heavens saying: “Well it is supposed to be a challenge.”

And it was that challenge that made it all the more rewarding. It was an uplifting day that showed St Helens’ community spirit at its best.

The SPF charity which founded the event deserve enormous credit. And there is also a lesson here.

This event was born in 2011 through Steve’s volunteers, whose drive and enthusiasm made it happen.

As a community, we don’t have to wait for the council or other public bodies to create major events.

Businesses or community groups can take the lead – and with the right organisation and publicity – deliver something that inspires and makes a difference.