THE picturesque estate of Cornbury Park proved the perfect backdrop for the annual Cornbury Classic family fun run.

Families turned out in their dozens as almost 150 people took on the one-mile fun run or 5K race on Sunday.

The event attracted the crowds who tied up their trainers and pulled on the Lycra to take part, plus many more who were on-hand to cheer on runners despite the weather forecast more suitable for ducks.

But the rain held off just enough for the scores of little runners, not quite for the older group, to take on the park grounds in Charlbury along paths otherwise closed off to the public.

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Organisers said online: "Firstly thank you to all the volunteers and runners, what an awesome morning.

"A big thanks to the weather for letting the little ones run in the dry, sorry big ones."

Marshalls started off the one-mile fun run for children at 10am including 57 children between age two and 11.

Their little feet pattered across the undulating course of fields, paths and down to the finish through the park's avenue of autumnal trees.

Organisers said: "Though not an easy course, the high levels of energy exuding from the runners and the enthusiastic marshals, meant that even the very smallest of runners made their way around in less than 17 minutes. An incredible achievement.

"Each and every child received a well-deserved medal, a bottle of water, and hopefully something sweet from the incredible selection of cakes on display near the finish line; baked by parents."

Oxford Mail:

Archie Townsend won the boys' age 7to 11 race, Harry Siveter won the boys' U6 race, Hannah Stevenson won the girls' age 7 to 11 race, and Francesca D won the girls' U6 race.

Then 88 runners aged from seven and 77 took on the 5k cross-country route in which U16 runner Kiya Dee took the top spot with a winning time of 20:20. Fraser Howard crossed the line as first male, Lucy Rycroft won the women’s race for the second year running, and Kian Dee was the first U16 boy to finish.

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Organisers said: "The atmosphere was fun and relaxed"

Money was being raised for Finstock Primary School and Leafield Primary School. Plus collections for Oxford Children's Hospital and cancer treatment for youngster Anna Drysdale who also took part ustgiving.com/crowdfunding/anna-drysdale