The founder of the Weybridge 10k race lauded its success ahead of the 2019 this June.

Speaking to the Surrey Comet, Weybridge 10K Founder Matt Trevett said that the race had grown at a remarkable pace since he decided to try and put the first event on.

Mr Trevett said: "I came up with the idea and we launched the project in 2016, with the first race was held in 2017. Over a thousand people entered in our first year and we had over 1,400 last year.

"It's growing so fast, it's got really good community backing, and its continuing to scale up."

Mr Trevett began the event as a commercial enterprise with paid entry, and has since sold it to a bigger events company (AAT Events), though he is still involved in the organizational side of the race.

Part of its appeal, he explained, had to do with its ethos as an explicitly welcoming 10K event that encouraged runners regardless of their ability or running credentials.

Mr Trevett said: "The ethos of the event is completely beginner friendly, unlike some of the bigger events out there.

"It was started by us as small, independent and local businessmen like myself, local physios and so on...Local businesses and figures coming together to support the event and get it off the ground.

"We approached the council and said we've a great idea, can you help make it happen? And it all came together."

Mr Trevett, who has a background in sports marketing and went to college in Weybridge, said that one of the key's to the race's success was its appeal to potential sponsors.

The approach seems to be working.

So far, big names such as Sony UK — whose headquarters are in Weybridge — have joined in as commercial backers.

Porsche also sponsor the event. In previous editions the giant car manufacturer provided the "lead car", which patrols the course ahead of the race, for previous years of the Weybridge 10K and are set to do so again this time around.

All this contributes towards a wider goal that reaches beyond the commercial reasons for hosting the race — helping promote Weybridge itself.

Mr Trevett said that a friendly approach — sitting down with potential partners to explain the idea, and how it could help promote the town — was central to the way the race has grown since he first came up with the idea.

Mr Trevett said: "My approach has just been to ask people, really. Sit down and present the idea in a nice way.

"Weybridge can be seen as a through road these days. Not many people stop off unless you live there.

"Putting on the race is one way we can draw some attention to the town and that's been one of my goals in the last few years."

The Weybridge 10K takes place on June 23. For more information go to: www.weybridge10k.com/