Ossie lends support to Tottenham Ten

Runners taking part in the Tottenham Ten over the weekend might not have had the hot weather, but they certainly received a warm reception at the finish line, with Ossie Ardiles on hand to give out medals.

Tottenham Ten is an annual event organised by and to raise money for the Engine Room – a church, community centre, café and nursery in Hale Village.

It involves runners doing two loops of Tottenham Marshes, totalling 10k, and is one of many local causes the Club supports.

For years, through Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, we have been supplying goodie bags for competitors and staff have assisted with registration, marshalling and other vital voluntary roles.

Ossie, who also started the race, said: “It’s been a wonderful day. Congratulations to all the runners. I believe everyone’s had a lot of fun and so have I.

“The work of the Club and its Foundation for the community here is incredibly important. It’s played a big, big part in regeneration of the area and it’s great to see events like this bringing the whole community together.”

The opportunity to meet and greet Ossie gave tiring runners a second wind as they came towards the finish line.

First home of almost 300 participants was local resident Kader Seyed in a time of 34:40.

Among those following were Spurs fans sporting their replica Club shirts, Martin Ramsey and Nicholas Flugge.

Martin said: “It’s good to be able to run around the local area and we got a lot of support from the Foundation staff marshalling the course. It was good to see Ossie as well as he was one of my idols growing up!”

Nicholas added: “It was amazing. There was a bit of rain, sun, a bit of everything – then at the end I got my PB and Ossie Ardiles handed me my medal, so best day ever. It’s great seeing Spurs involved in something like this in the community.”

Andrew Johnston, Engine Room operations director and the race director, said: “Today wasn’t the best weather, but it was still a fabulous event and the support of the Club and the Foundation’s been essential.

“The vast majority of runners were local, but we’ve even had Americans who found out the event was happening come along. We have to say thanks to Spurs for helping develop this as an important, attractive event for locals, but also people from all over to come and see what Tottenham has to offer.”