The third Lee Valley 10k and Fun Run event is due to take place a week today.

The 10k run, at River Lee Country Park, in Waltham Abbey, is open to experienced runners or those who are just looking for an enjoyable run around the park. The shorter 3k Fun Run is also open to all families, adults and children.

Both routes are confined to the limits of River Lee Country park, providing a flat, traffic-free track where the runners can enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

Special guest, Danny Crates, the Paralympic 800-metre gold-medallist at the Athens Olympics, will be at the start line to encourage runners before they set off.

The three fastest male and female runners will all receive a prize.

All children taking part in the fun run will receive a medal and all runners will receive an event T-shirt at the finish.

The event will be rounded off with entertainment provided by the Harlow Steel Band.

The designated charity for the event which is Friends of Amwell School, which specializes in teaching autistic children, but entrants can run for the charity of their choice.

The 10k run is due to begin at 10am and the Fun Run will follow at 11am.

A team of physiotherapists will offer free massages for all the runners before and after the races. To take part in the 10k run, entrants must be 16 years old or older, and entry is £10 in advance or £15 on the day.

The Fun Run is open to all ages, but entrants running on their own must be 11 or older. Entry for the Fun Run is £5, but children under five can enter for free.

An online application form is available at www.leevalleypark.org.uk