They came together, as many have done for years, in a spirit of friendly rivalry and personal determination.
But this Parkrun event was something special, as it was the 200th time the 5km fun run had taken place in the village of Mulbarton.
A record 180 people - including some in fancy dress - braved Saturday morning's chill to participate in the event, which has been run weekly around the village common for almost four years.
After the run, competitors and volunteers enjoyed specially-made cakes, biscuits and drinks, while certificates of recognition were handed out.
Tammy Sharpe, Mulbarton Parkrun event director, said she was thrilled with the turnout, which saw 19 people taking part for the first time, and 12 participants set their personal best times.
She said: 'Very well done to all runners and to those that came in fancy dress. A massive thank you to all the volunteers, all working so well as a team.'
Ms Sharpe said the appeal of Parkrun was that it was so inclusive and relaxed.
She said anyone was welcome to take part. Ms Sharpe said: 'We accept any ability from Olympians to walkers, from toddlers to OAPs.
'It gets people up, active and it's very friendly. We don't judge anyone's ability and I think that's why people like to come along.'
Parkrun began in Teddington in 2004 and now takes place in hundreds of locations across Britain and around the globe.
In this region, there are also events in Catton Park and Eaton Park in Norwich, as well as in Thetford, Brandon, Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, Fritton Lake, Blickling, Sheringham, Holkham and King's Lynn. It's free to participate, and participants take part in wheelchairs, run with their pushchairs, and also run alongside their dogs.
Ms Sharpe said she had been involved in the village run since its fourth event.
She said: 'I went from the couch to running 5kms, and then started to volunteer on a regular basis.
'A year later I became a run director then a year ago I then became event director and still enjoy it very much.'
Ms Sharpe said she wanted to thank Sarah's Creative Cakes and Christine Barker for the cakes. Organisers are now getting ready to mark the event's fourth anniversary on March 18.
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