A caring father and keen athlete who died unexpectedly will be remembered by members of a Parkrun community he helped establish.

Eastern Daily Press: Mark Ring from Old Catton taking part in the 2015 Trowse 10K race. Picture: SUPPLIED BY THE RING FAMILYMark Ring from Old Catton taking part in the 2015 Trowse 10K race. Picture: SUPPLIED BY THE RING FAMILY (Image: SUPPLIED BY THE RING FAMILY)

Mark Ring, 49, from Woodland Drive in Old Catton, Norwich, died on November 6 at his home after taking part in the Bure Valley 10 mile race in Banningham, near Aylsham.

He could not complete race and had a cardiac arrest a couple of hours after returning home from the event.

Volunteers at Catton Parkrun, based at Catton Park off Oak Lane, Norwich, have organised a free 5K memorial run for Mr Ring on January 7 at 9am. Anyone can take part.

They have asked participants to wear baseball caps and sunglasses - items of clothing Mr Ring always used to wear while running.

His daughter, Lucy Ring, 18, said: 'It is nice to see how many people cared about him. It will be quite overwhelming.'

Mr Ring, a financial advisor, trialled the Catton Parkrun route three years ago before its launch as it was close to his home.

He went on to run the free weekly 5K route in Catton Park more than 100 times as well as regularly volunteer for it.

Miss Ring, who has two sisters aged 23 and 12, ran the first Run Norwich 10K event last year with her father.

She said: 'My dad liked Catton Parkrun because he enjoyed talking to everyone and watching other runners. He would always encourage other people on. I will remember how much he loved his family. He always made sure he looked after us and put us before himself.'

Her father was a member of the Norwich Road Runners club and had completed several international marathons.

Mr King had been married to his wife Joanne for 25 years.

Dan Goodwin, Catton Parkrun co-event director, said Mr Ring was a 'brilliant' volunteer who would be 'sorely missed'.