Blickling's famous pyramid-shaped mausoleum was among the scores of runners who gathered for the fancy-dress first anniversary parkrun held on the National Trust estate.

Eastern Daily Press: Runners, many in fancy dress, enjoy the first anniversary Blickling parkrun. Picture: MICHAEL JAMES PHOTORunners, many in fancy dress, enjoy the first anniversary Blickling parkrun. Picture: MICHAEL JAMES PHOTO (Image: Archant)

Inside the foam costume was James Goff, 41, from Aylsham, who spent five lunch hours with a workmate designing his outfit to look like the Hobart family's mausoleum, which is on the route of the 5K parkrun course at Blickling.

This morning's celebratory event also included assorted superheroes, fairies, The Grim Reaper, Where's Wally? a pirate, a consultant anaesthetist, and a cowgirl.

Organiser Sarah Gray said the weekly event attracted an average of 100 people, ranging from tots in buggies pushed by parents, to runners in their 70s.

'It's been a huge success,' she added. 'I was concerned about our catchment area because we're not in a city but it's not been an issue, and our volunteers have been outstanding.'

Eastern Daily Press: Blickling Parkrun regular James Goff who turned himself into the National Trust estate's mausoleum feature for the first anniversary event. Picture: ALEX HURRELLBlickling Parkrun regular James Goff who turned himself into the National Trust estate's mausoleum feature for the first anniversary event. Picture: ALEX HURRELL (Image: Archant)

Among regulars is Matt Phelps, head of visual arts at North Walsham's Paston Sixth Form College.

'I started in January after sitting on the sofa for 10 years. It's definitely made me fitter and it's just fun. The whole event is fantastically organised - it's just an unqualifiedly brilliant thing,' said Mr Phelps, 45.

Husband and wife Ady and Sarah Jay, from Stratton Strawless, arrived in neon-coloured ballet tutus.

'We used to do the Norwich parkrun but we come here now. The atmosphere and people are great,' said Mrs Jay.

? Parkruns are free, timed 5km runs held every Saturday morning, in nine locations around Norfolk.

Organised entirely by volunteers, they're designed to make running fun and accessible for everyone – from people taking their first steps and walking the course, to regular runners who want to challenge their personal best times.

Other parkrun locations around the county include Sheringham Park, Norwich, Catton Park, Gorleston, Mulbarton, Fritton Lake, King's Lynn, and Thetford.

Since January there have been almost 52,000 attendances in Norfolk. For more information visit: www.parkrun.org.uk