The annual Moor Park 10k run is set to go ahead next weekend, with a raft of measures to make it a COVID-19 Secure event.

The race, in aid of Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre in Northwood, will take place on Sunday 11 October in the grounds of the nearby Merchant Taylors’ School at Sandy Lodge.

However, due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions, the event is being limited to 10k runners only.

The junior fun runs are being offered as a virtual option, staged across the whole of October. This will encourage runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to still be involved.

Measures being brought in to make the 10k race COVID-19 Secure include:

• Socially distanced registration process.
• Marshals will be wearing face coverings at all times.
• Additional toilets at race HQ to reduce queues.
• Sanitising stations around the location to promote good hand hygiene.
• An ‘F1 grid-style’ start to help maintain distancing between participants.

The Moor Park 10k is being organised by Active Training World, which has staged nearly a dozen running and multi-discipline races since the Government allowed outdoor sport and participation events to resume in July.

Managing director James Shipley said: “Many people are understandably nervous regarding entering events again, but I’d like to reassure everyone that we are taking all necessary measures to ensure the event is COVID-19 Secure.

“In the races we’ve organised so far, we’ve actually been finding that participants prefer the changes that we’ve introduced. For example, registration is less stressful and the grid start is avoiding the ‘mass stampede’ you sometimes get.”

The Moor Park 10k has been held every year since 2002 and is one of the major fundraising events for the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity, which raises money to support services at the Mount Vernon and Lynda Jackson centres.

Community fundraiser Joe Dunster said: “Lockdown meant we came really close to having to cancel completely. But we couldn’t give up on an event that has been running for nearly 20 years, so we’re delighted the Moor Park 10k is able to take place in some shape or form.

“While the race itself is limited to 10k runners, we want as many people as possible to sign up for the virtual event. So whether you’re going to walk 1k or jog 5k, get involved and help raise money to fund the complementary therapy service at the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre.

“The team is working hard to adapt our support to reach out to patients and loved ones during this difficult time. Your money will help us to provide guided telephone relaxation, support sessions and create online videos resources on relaxation and breathing techniques.”

* To enter either the 10k race or the virtual event – which you can do at any time and anywhere between 1-31 October – visit www.moorpark10k.org.uk