Organisers of a New Year's Day 10k were "absolutely blown away" by the enthusiasm of the runners taking part.

Around 470 people took part in the Wymondham race which was spilt into two starting waves to prevent hundreds of runners setting off from the same narrow lane.

Eastern Daily Press: Runners in the second wave of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10KRunners in the second wave of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10K (Image: Archant 2022)

The event was hosted by Wymondham Athletic Club, and was the first time the physical run has taken place in two years after last year's race was held virtually due to Covid.

Eastern Daily Press: Runners in the first wave of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10K.Runners in the first wave of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10K. (Image: Archant 2022)

Katie Whitmore, race director and vice-chairman of Wymondham AC, said: "The feedback from runners was so enthusiastic and to see lots of happy, smiling faces coming over the line was so satisfying.

"The race can be quite popular because it's New Year's Day and a nice way to start the year with a run. It was well populated by local running clubs but there was also a good mix of non-affiliated runners."

Eastern Daily Press: Spectators wait for the start of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10KSpectators wait for the start of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10K (Image: Archant 2022)

The 10k started and finished at Lady's Lane with runners making their way out into the countryside and past Morley's church, which is the halfway point.

Mrs Whitmore said: "Some runners commented that it was little bit windy across High Oak Road which is exposed but we really could not have asked for better weather conditions.

Eastern Daily Press: Runners in the first wave of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10KRunners in the first wave of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10K (Image: Archant 2022)

"It was sunny all day which made for a good race. We have had delays because of frost and black ice in the past."

The race director praised the efforts of around 70 marshals for helping to make the event so successful.

Eastern Daily Press: Runners in the first wave of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10KRunners in the first wave of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10K (Image: Archant 2022)

After a few days of rest, Wymondham AC organisers will be opening entry next week for the 20 mile race in March, which prepares runners for spring marathons.

Eastern Daily Press: The Wymondham New Year's Day 10K 2022 proved to be a successThe Wymondham New Year's Day 10K 2022 proved to be a success (Image: Archant 2022)

Speaking about the planning for the 10k, Mrs Whitmore said: "We began in August to September time but this year was a little bit different having to wait for directions with the government restrictions.

Eastern Daily Press: Runners from Thetford Athletic Club taking part in the Wymondham New Year's Day 10K.Runners from Thetford Athletic Club taking part in the Wymondham New Year's Day 10K. (Image: Archant 2022)

"Certain aspects had to be left until the last minute until the government made their mind up but fortunately we were ok."

Wymondham AC was formed in 1978 with one of the original founders Eva Osborne, 81, running in the 10K.

For more information on Wymondham Athletic Club, visit https://wymondhamac.org.uk/

Eastern Daily Press: Runners in the second wave of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10KRunners in the second wave of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10K (Image: Archant 2022)

Eastern Daily Press: A runner smiles for the camera during the Wymondham New Year's Day 10KA runner smiles for the camera during the Wymondham New Year's Day 10K (Image: Archant 2022)

Eastern Daily Press: Wymondham Athletic Club hosted the 10k eventWymondham Athletic Club hosted the 10k event (Image: Archant 2022)

Eastern Daily Press: Runners in the second wave of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10KRunners in the second wave of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10K (Image: Archant 2022)

Eastern Daily Press: The first wave leader heading for the finish line of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10K.The first wave leader heading for the finish line of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10K. (Image: Archant 2022)

Eastern Daily Press: The first wave runner in second place heading for the finish line of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10KThe first wave runner in second place heading for the finish line of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10K (Image: Archant 2022)

Eastern Daily Press: First wave runners at the start of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10KFirst wave runners at the start of the Wymondham New Year's Day 10K (Image: Archant 2022)