Puffaten 10km run is dedicated to founder

John founded the Puffa fun run, as it was then known, over 30 years ago, when it was sponsored by Kings Langley plumbers Arter and North.

John lived in Kings Langley for over 30 years with his wife Pat and his two daughters who attended Kings Langley Primary School.

He was well known in the village as a postman and a member of the school’s Parent Teacher Association.

A talented athlete, he completed several marathons with a personal best of just over three hours, which he achieved when in his 40s.

For the Puffa fun run, not only was John the organiser, co-­ordinating everything from devising the route, to marking it out, but he also trained many villagers so they could compete in the race.

The event grew to be such a success that runners came from far and wide to compete, and it still continues today.

When John retired, he and Pat moved to Dorset, but sadly in 2014 he was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer. He passed away last May, aged 67.

John’s family, who are attending the race on Sunday, June 12, have donated a Founder’s Trophy in his memory, which will be awarded each year to the first Kings Langley resident to complete the 10km run.

There will be a one-minute round of applause in memory of John at the start of the race.

Shorter 3km and 1.5km runs are also available.

See http://kingslangley-pri.herts.sch.uk/