A record entry of 58 teams enjoyed a perfect weekend of blue skies when they tackled the gruelling Round Norfolk Relay.

The 26th event, sponsored by Birketts, was completed in excellent September conditions as teams of 17 competed throughout the night to finish the 197-mile race around the county's borders.

City of Norwich Athletic Club won the coveted Club Class Trophy and were the fastest team to run the course, which started on Saturday at King's Lynn's Lynnsport and ended there on Sunday, in 20 hours, 22 minutes and 20 seconds. Paddock Wood (22:28.17) finished second while Wymondham Athletic Club (23:27.52) crossed the line in third.

Norwich AC completed a stunning double by triumphing in the Ladies Class in a time of 25 hours, 13 minutes and six seconds.

Ely Runners (21:14.25) won the Open Class ahead of Norwich Road Runners A (21:39.50) and Ryston Runners (21:45.25). They also won the Associated Running Clubs Award and the Visitors Club Award.

The Masters Class was won by Norwich Road Runners B who defended their title in a time of 22 hours, 35 minutes and 19 seconds.

A host of other trophies were handed out after the race, which is split into 17 unequal sections, with City of Norwich's Guy Amos (87.89pc) clinching the best overall individual runner age-graded result.

Race director Paul Sullivan said: 'I can only applaud the tremendous support that the Round Norfolk Relay has from its main sponsor Birketts, a host of running clubs who supply marshals and a huge number of volunteers.

'A small dedicated organising committee who worked tirelessly throughout the year need thanking as does Lynnsport for its event venue, Winning Ways who supply the awards, and a number of land owners and organisations that allow the route to access private land or facilities and amenities.

'This hugely popular race will enter its 27th year in 2013 and will continue to grow in strength.'