WHILE conditions were bitterly cold at home, Halstead Road Runner Ian Chandler headed to much warmer climes to run the Lanzarote Marathon.

The route was out and back along the coastal roads and he said it was a nice way to end his running year, completing the course in four hours and 56 minutes.

Meanwhile, Halstead had been due to host their 53-12 Cross-Country League fixture at Gosfield School on Sunday.

However, unfortunately, they had to cancel due to the snow and poor driving conditions.

The weight of snow had brought a tree down across the course.

All the way round there were branches hanging across the paths at about four feet from the ground, so it would have been impossible to run.

The club also had several marshals who could not get to the venue because their cars were stuck.

Other marshals had walked from Halstead to try and ensure the event went ahead and it is hoped to re-arrange the fixture in the New Year.