Snow flurries, biting wind and puddles of mud failed to deter more than 100 runners, who turned out to take part in an annual cross country event held in aid of Norfolk-based charity Break.

Eastern Daily Press: Eleven-year-old Izzy Wood and brother Laurie, 9, from Poringland, who came fifth and fourth in the U13s race.Eleven-year-old Izzy Wood and brother Laurie, 9, from Poringland, who came fifth and fourth in the U13s race. (Image: Archant)

Held on the Stody estate at Hunworth, near Holt, and sponsored by local pub the Hunny Bell, the annual five-mile run attracted running club members from as far afield as Norwich, Wymondham and Dereham, as well as dozens of individual Break supporters from all over the county.

Runners registered at Hunworth village hall, before setting off through a ford on a countryside trek through the picturesque estate.

While more cautious entrants passed the fast-running ford via a footpath, half a dozen of those taking the more direct route slipped on mud and took a tumble into the icy water cascading across the path.

'It was pretty cold,' said one seasoned club member. 'Last year was beautiful spring weather, but the year before it was horizontal rain, which was even worse.'

Under-13s and under-17s races were held before the main event, with pets and their owners also signing up to take part in a dog run.

Local athletics group, the North Norfolk Beach Runners, took on the job of marshalling, with volunteers at Break's Fakenham charity shop providing tea, coffee and homemade cakes.

Break, which runs services ranging from short breaks and children's homes, to mentoring schemes and support for young people leaving care, benefits to the tune of more than £2,500 a year from the annual run, which has been held at Hunworth since 2007.

'All the money raised goes to support vulnerable children, young people and families,' said the charity's communications manager Sarah Bunn. 'The support we receive allows us to change lives for the better, from the young people in our children's homes, to those leaving care.'

Ms Bunn thanked all those who took part or helped organise the event, as well as Stody Estate owners, the MacNicol family, and estate manager Ross Haddon.

'In spite of the weather, we have had a fantastic response this year,' she said. 'I think the run has become a standing event in the county's running calendar.'

For more information about Break, visit www.break-charity.org

Results:

Under-13 boys: 1 Oliver O'Malley 16.18, 2 Innes O'Malley 17.18, 3 Ethan Reid 17.47

Under-13 girls: 1 Izzy Woods 18.57, 2 Lily Dyball 19.35, 3 Molly Sankey 19.42

Under 17: 1 Ryan Buckenham 19.29, 2 Henry Hewetson-Greening 20.21, 3 Catherine Broster 20.34

Adult male: 1 John Battrick 30.00, 2 Michael Eccles 30.29, 3 Martin Hewetson 31.16

Adult female: 1 Sharon Hurren 37.21, 2 Kelly Davis 38.31, 3 Louise Evans 39.17