Whether you are a fitness fanatic or want to lose a few pounds before the festive season, the Beddington Park 10k fun run could be just what you are looking for.

Spaces are still available for the event which will raise money for the London Wildcare Trust’s Riverside Animal Centre in Beddington Park on Sunday November 28.

The event has been running for years but looked in doubt when the original organiser walked away in 2008, but Sutton couple Paul and Maria Liddiard stepped into the breach.

Mr Liddiard said: “I think they were so busy with other events that they had to give it up. It was a real shame so I have picked up the reigns, if you like."

Their daughters’ interest in animal welfare was the original motivation in keeping the fundraiser going but the Liddiards also wanted to show off Beddington Park itself.

He said: “It was a charitable venture but we also really wanted to draw people’s attention to what Beddington Park has to offer.

“People enter from far and wide, not just the Croydon area, and they often do not realise what a beautiful place it is. It is all good publicity.”

It is not just the surroundings that draw entrants to the event, the race is run over four 2.5km laps and 95 per cent of it is on paths, making it very runner-friendly.

The success of the run means that it is now run in June as well as November, but the winter race has so far proved the most popular.

Mr Liddiard said: “I expected the summer one would be more appealing but it seems like this one is attractive to people running the marathon or looking to lose weight before the Christmas season.”

With the future of Beddington Park fun run secure, the Liddiards have organised a similar race, also in support of London Wildcare Trust, in Morden Park on Sunday November 21.

Mr Liddiard said: “It is another lovely park. It is really important to get people to visit these places to show how important they are.”

For details of the events and how to enter visit runnersworld.co.uk.