A runner smashed the record time for an annual Rickmansworth road-run as hundreds of runners took to the streets to raise money for charity.

More than 500 runners signed up for the Ricky Road Run on Sunday, October 26 and all of the money raised during the event will go towards WaterAid, KitAid and Peace Hospice Care, which is based in Peace Drive, Watford.

Before the event, Affinity Water, which organises the run every year, hoped to raise in excess of £30,000 but they were unable to provide forecasts on this year’s income because they were still collecting entry fees, donations and sponsorship money.

However, the highlight of this year’s event was the record breaking time of Paul Adams from St Albans Striders running club, who completed the 10-mile course in 56 minutes and 21 seconds. 

He lead the rest of the chasing pack by almost three minutes.

Sian Thomas won the women’s race with a time of 1 hour 3 mins and 27 seconds while the St Albans Striders won both the men’s and women’s team events.

Paul Adams, Andy Auld and Gary Warren made up the male team while Wendy Walsh, Claire Kremer and Helen Cartlidge formed the successful female team.

Krystal Buckland, Affinity Water business graduate and Ricky Road Run project manager, said: "The Ricky Road Run is a fantastic event and has been such fun to be a part of. 

"The team worked well together and our army of volunteers made up from the local community and Affinity Water team members helped to ensure the event was a success and the atmosphere buzzing on race day. 

"I would like to thank all who gave up their time to take part, help organise or donate money, which will go towards helping WaterAid, KitAid and Peace Hospice Care."

The race, now its 31 year, has raised in excess of £320,000 for WaterAid, Kit Aid and various other local charities, including last year’s choice of Watford New Hope Trust

The Ricky Road Run was founded in 1984 as part of the centenary for what was then known as Rickmansworth Water Company.

It has been organised by the water company every year since, and is now run by graduates on the company’s training programme.

Runners left the Chorleywood Working Men’s Club just after 10.30am before completing a 10-mile course through the streets of Rickmansworth and Chorleywood. 

Vicky Luk, Peace Hospice care corporate fundraising manager, said: "We are really thrilled that Affinity Water selected Peace Hospice Care as one of the nominated charities who will benefit from this year’s event.

"So many people have come together to make the Ricky Road Run a great success. We truly thank all the runners, marshalls and supporters for getting behind the event. 

"Demand for our services continues to grow and this financial boost from the Ricky Road Run helps us raise the £4million in charitable income that we need each year. It really does make a difference."