The founder of a popular community event says he's "overwhelmed and delighted" to be returning for its 40th year.

Kevin Murphy came up with the idea for the Ricky Road Run in Rickmansworth as a 23-year-old back in 1983.

Now in its 40th year, organisers Affinity Water have invited him to  present the prizes at the event that began life as his brainchild.

Kevin said: "I'm grateful to have been invited to come back for the 40th year of the event and host it. Forty years ago it was just an idea I had I'm delighted to see how its grown."

Over the years, its raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity, with 2024 being the 40th running of the event after the Covid pandemic enforced pause in 2020.

Kevin said: "The primary goal is to help people to get out and get fit. The health benefits of training for and competing in this event are huge. I'm incredibly overwhelmed and happy to see it get to 40 years - I hope the longevity is there to make it to 50!"

Back in 1983 his role involved marking out the 10-mile course and ensuring it was safe for all runners.

On the origins of the event, he said: "Whilst in my capacity as chairman of the Rickmansworth Water Company Social Club, I wanted to see if I could get an event of the ground that would give people a reason to train to improve their health and hopefully raise some money for Water Aid."

After Kevin left the company (now Affinity Water) it was run for several years by Derrick Williams, who received an MBE for his services to charity.

The event has grown from its humble beginnings at William Penn School, with runners from Rickmansworth, Chorleywood and other areas set to flock to the event on October 27.

Entry is open to all runners, male or female, who are over 17 and Kevin will be handing out prizes to the top three runners of each gender.

Money raised will go to WaterAid, KitAid and Small Acts of Kindness.