A one mile walk, run or jog aimed at getting Watford's 45s and over to lace up their running shoes was launched by Mayor Dorothy Thornhill this morning.

Watford For You is organising the sponsored one mile event – dubbed the Smile Mile - for anyone over the age of 45 years old.

The Smile Mile will take place on Sunday, September 20 and has been designed with a gentle route for people of levels of fitness, starting at the pond.

The route will then travel under the underpass, along Hempstead Road, left into Stratford Way, left into Cassiobury Drive, before finishing back at the pond in The Parade.

Mayor Thornhill said: “For a small town, Watford has a huge range of fitness classes and social groups aimed at our older residents – I know from getting out and meeting them that there is a lot going on.

“I hope lots of people will come and join us in the Smile Mile – I, for one, will be walking round.”

Mayor Thornhill was joined at this morning's launch by Joyce Smith, the winner of the first two female London Marathons.

Joyce, who won both races while in her 40s and competed in the Olympics at the age of 46, said: “I am still exercising today and have greatly benefitted from taking exercise throughout my life enjoying good health and being able to lead a very full life style.

Participants in the Smile Mile will raise money for the West Herts branch of the Parkinson’s Disease Society, which runs weekly exercise classes Woodsire Leisure Centre.

To take part visit www.watfordforyou.org or pick up an entry form from the customer service centre at the Town Hall, at either of Watford's two leisure centres, from The Harlequin Centre's customer service desk or from John Lewis.

Alternatively ring Kathy Kokkinos on 01923 296750 (choose option 3) or email her at kathykokkinos@slm-ltd.co.uk.