A fun run to mark the opening of the new M11 Junction 7A at Harlow has raised £9,000 for local charities.

Supported by Harlow Running and Tri Club, more than 450 walkers, joggers and runners took part, with the 5km route providing a unique opportunity to see the new infrastructure up close before it opened to traffic the following day.

Cllr Lesley Wagland OBE, Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning at Essex County Council said: “The new M11 Junction 7A is a critical improvement for the area and the biggest road infrastructure project in the county for a number of years. And, despite the challenges of the past two years, I am very pleased that we have been able to reach a position to open to traffic ahead of schedule.

“The fun-run was a way of giving local people the opportunity to see the new junction up close and it was fantastic to see not just runners, but people of all ages and abilities walking the route and enjoying the evening, and of course, most importantly we have been able to raise funds for important local charities.”

GRAHAM match-funded money raised through entry to the event which will be split between St Clare Hospice and a local charity supporting children living with cerebral palsy.

Dave Brown, Highways Director for GRAHAM, said: “It was fantastic for us to be able to support this fun run with a donation and to support these two charities which both do some amazing work.

“At GRAHAM we always look to find ways to engage with local communities on the projects we are involved in. This is important to us as it helps add further value for the areas we work in. We’re pleased there was such a great turnout for the event and people got the chance to see the new junction, which has been another proud addition to our highways project portfolio.”

Among those taking part in the event was Harlow Running and Tri Club Member and British Paralympic runner Noel Thatcher MBE who added: “It was great to see so many people of all ages turnout to celebrate the opening of the J7A junction and raise so much money for charity.

“There was a real community feel to the event. I ran with my 10-year-old son Soshin whose highlights were the lorries on the M11 honking their horns as we ran over the bridge, very closely followed by the post-run brownies! All in all a great celebration of our town. Congratulations to all involved.”

For more information about the new M11 Junction 7A visit www.essex.gov.uk/junction7a