More than 750 runners braved freezing temperatures and driving rain this afternoon as they took part in the ninth annual Moor Park 10k fun run.

The event, which started and finished at Merchant Taylors’ School, saw 785 hardy participants cheered along a winding, undulating route through the Moor Park estate.

Sponsored by Stewarts Law, the race raised tens of thousands of pounds for the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre, at Mount Vernon Hospital.

Despite the inclement weather the course was once again lined with enthusiastic supporters and estate residents, many of whom handed out food and drink as the runners passed by.

Race director John Hambleton said it was the first time rain had made an appearance at the event but expressed delight at the number of people who once again turned out.

He said: “It’s been fantastic again. There is always very good support here and I know the runners really appreciate it.”

Mr Hambleton also praised the more than 70 volunteers who made the event possible.

For the second year in a row the race was won by Newcastle banker Andrew Lawrence, who crossed the line in a super-fast time of 33 minutes and 45 seconds.

He said: “I had a really good run for my money this time and I really enjoyed the event. It’s a great course and the support I got was great. People came out of their houses to cheer us on, which doesn’t happen in many other events.”

Most of the runners, however, were simply happy to complete the course. Reverend Richard Bartlett, vicar at Holy Trinity Church, Northwood, was taking part in a 10 kilometre run for the first time.

He said: “It was really tough, especially the big hill through the golf course, but I really enjoyed it. The support on the way around was brilliant.”

Thirty-seven-year-old Paul Sutton, meanwhile, was celebrating beating the one hour mark. He said: “I’m absolutely shattered. It was my first 10k and my aim was to beat one hour, which I managed with four seconds to spare so I’m delighted.”

Another runner hoping to beat the hour mark was Watford Observer reporter Adam Binnie. He said: “I just missed out. I’m absolutely gutted about it but it’s a really tough course, particularly the huge hill in the middle. I also managed to run all the way and that was my main aim.”

Organisers confirmed that the number of runners was slightly down on last year because fewer people had opted to take part on the day as a result of the weather.