Runners are preparing to go the distance in honour a footballing legend.

This weekend Abbots Langley Graham Taylor Tough Ten will take place in memory of the former Watford FC manager who died earlier this year.

Event organisers have renamed the competition for this year in honour of Graham Taylor, who had awarded the prizes at the race for the last 10 years.

Already there are 600 contestants signed up to take part across the 10k, 5k, 3k and family-friendly 1k park run.

To celebrate the football hero’s memory the Tough Ten committee have commissioned special medals which will be issued to all runners in the 10k and 5k races.

Committee member Pat Waterton said: “When asked on a radio interview what his biggest regret as, Graham answered that it was not finishing the Tough Ten in under an hour, although when he competed it was 10 miles rather than 10 kilometres.

“He was a great friend to the race and we will be introducing the Graham Taylor Community Cup to award to the person who has shown the best community spirit which we will give out at our presentation evening.

“We are now an officially registered charity, and last year we raised £10,000 for local causes. It is wonderful that so many people take part, but it would be lovely if people donated something small to us so that we can help the race to keep going.”

The races will start at from 9.30am and will start from outside community centre in Manor House Grounds on Gallows Hill Lane.

To register visit www.tough10.co.uk or turn up on the morning.