Having been involved in the Oxford 10k since it began, a Witney couple will be the official race starters at this year's event.
Ian and Mavis Hale have been involved with the event since its inception in 1982, volunteering nearly every year, and will start the race on May 12.
This year, the event is fully sold out, with 5,600 people set to take part in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK.
The charity supports 110,000 people across the nation living with more than 60 different muscle wasting and weakening conditions.
The Oxford 10k was started in response to the London Marathon by a colleague of Mr Hale's, Mike Cleaver.
Mr Cleaver started the race to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK when his son Daniel was diagnosed with the condition.
Mr Hale said: "I remember Mike coming into work one day and asking us all if we’d help with a new running event he was organising to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
"I knew about his son, Daniel, and wanted to help.
"My wife, Mavis and I had four healthy children, so we saw this as a way to give back to those less fortunate."
The couple's involvement has included handling duties like distributing race packs and marshalling the event to being on the race committee.
Mr Hale continued: "It was a popular run, and we knew it was raising a lot of money for a worthwhile cause, so we didn’t want it to stop.
“A lot has changed over the last four decades, but the friendly, community atmosphere at the run has stayed the same."
From its beginnings in Oxford, the 10k series has expanded to include Cambridge.
Collectively, since the first race, the events have already raised more than £2 million for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Events project manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK, Jessie Keighley, said: "We’re honoured that Ian and Mavis have agreed to be our official race starters this year.
"They have played a key role in the event since it first started, and we’re so grateful for their ongoing support.
"This is a true community event and lots of people who take part have personal reasons for supporting Muscular Dystrophy UK.
"We’re looking forward to seeing everyone on the day and are thrilled, that for the first time in its history, the event has sold out.
"Thanks to everyone’s support, we can continue to fund ground breaking research and be there for children and adults living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions, and their families, across the UK.”
More information about Muscular Dystrophy UK can be found on the charity's website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here