Preparations are under way for this year’s Ricky Road Race, with organisers hoping to raise thousands for charity.

More than 420 runners have signed up to run the 31 Ricky Road Race which starts at 10.30am on Sunday, October 26.

The race will start from Chorleywood Working Men’s Club at 10,30am on Sunday 26 October and runners will complete a 10-mile course through Chorleywood and Rickmansworth.

Alan Wiseman, payroll and pensions manager at Affinity Water has run the Ricky Road Run for the last 10 years.

He said: "The Ricky Road Run is a great achievement and a testament to the excellent commitment of the volunteer organisers over the years.

"The atmosphere on the day is fantastic. Everyone is very friendly and the event welcomes runners of all abilities, it’s also a good opportunity to catch up with other regular Ricky Road Run veterans."

Affinity Water, are organising this year’s popular event and hope to aim more than £30,000 for WaterAid, KitAid and Peace Hospice Care, who are based in Bushey Mill Lane, Watford.

The 10 mile hilly race will take the runners though some of the best roads that Rickmansworth, Chorleywood and Little Chalfont has to offer, including the rare opportunity to run on two scenic sections of closed country roads.

Cheery faces will be posted around the course to make the runners forget about their "screaming legs."

Adele Lawrence, Affinity Water technical graduate, said: "The Ricky Road Run always brings the community together and it’s a fantastic opportunity to raise money for good causes."

Organisers say that since 1984, the race has raised £320,000 for WaterAid, KitAid and other local charities. Last year a total of £41,000 was raised.

However, the water company insists there is still time to take part in this year’s event but they stressed places are limited. Visit www.rickyroadrun.co.uk for more information.