The annual Ashdon 10k and 3k Run marked its 20th anniversary in style by smashing last year’s fundraising total.

The event raises much-needed funds for Ashdon Primary School near Saffron Walden where the race starts and this year broke all expectations with a final total of more than £4500, up about £1000 on 2015.

“It was a really special day,” said PTA member Rachel Wirrmann. “We were blown away by the support. It’s so lovely because it really showcases the school and the community. And the beautiful countryside!”

A record 200 runners took part in the 10k race, with another 250 in the 3k event over the challenging, mixed-terrain route, with visitor numbers at around the 700 mark.

From serious runners to grandmothers and children with dogs, everyone who finished the route received a medal and there were special 20th-anniversary trophies for the top runners.

This year’s 10k race was won by Andrew Mynott of the Saffron Striders Running Club for the seventh consecutive year in 37min 47sec with the first woman home in 45min 34sec being Sarah Switzer from the Walden Triathlon club.

In the timed 3k run, the first past the post in the under-16s was Alfie Kennard in 10min 32sec, while Indigo Collecott was the first female over the line with a time of 12min 3sec.