Founders of the Bushey Quarter Marathon have passed the organising mantle to running club David Lloyd Pacers, in preparation for this year’s event.

In April last year, the Watford Observer reported that John Hambleton and wife Helen were stepping down after 25 years of organising the popular fundraiser.

This year David Lloyd Pacers will host the quarter marathon, with Spire Bushey Hospital once again sponsoring the event on Sunday, July 1.

Now in its 26th year, the fundraiser is aimed at runners, joggers and walkers of all standards.

All competitors will receive a commemorative medal from David Lloyd Pacers, and Spire Bushey will be giving away a goodie bag to all adults and children who complete the race.

Following the success of the fun runs introduced a few years ago there will an under 10’s 0.75 mile run and an under 12’s 1.5 mile run.

This year’s chosen charity is Help For Heroes, which helps support wounded servicemen and women returning for Afghanistan and Iraq.

There will be a range of people from the armed forces supporting the race on the day, raising money for the charity.

Melvin Robson, hospital director of Spire Bushey, said: "We are delighted to continue to sponsor the quarter marathon, it is a fantastic opportunity for us to support our local community and support and encourage healthy activity for adults and children alike.

"We are also very pleased to be supporting Help For Heroes who do such great work in injury rehabilitation for wounded soldiers."

On the day there will also be children from Signpost Counselling, a locally based charity which helps support young people by providing confidential counselling for many types of issues such as bullying and abuse. Some children from the charity will be manning the water station on the day for the runners.

Spire Bushey will also have a number of physiotherapists there on the day offering exercise and fitness advice.

To enter the race visit: www.busheyquartermara.ik.com