Harrow Metros athlete Richard Francis finished in under 28 minutes in the John Downes Benefit five -mile run at Gunnersbury Park at the weekend.

Richard was the pick of the bunch for Metros as runners from all over the south of England turned out to pay tribute to popular former London Irish and Salford runner Downes who has been forced to give up running and his job due to a back injury.

Chris Roome for once had to give second best in the Over 60's section surprisingly being beaten by a 65-year-old.

Others taking part included Steve Paull, Peter Reynolds, Al Scoffham, Jane Young, Jill McBride, Bill Gardner, Derek Bamforth and back from injury Terry Burke.

Garry Young recorded a personal best in the Over-50s section. Not too surprising - it was his 50th birthday on the day.

It was a real family affair at the seven kilometre Wedding Day Run at Bushey. Jessica Young, 16, was the first girl home for the Metros. Mother Jane also took part along with husband and wife team Brian and Pat Jackson.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.