THIRTY-TWO people took part in a new 5km fun run through the countryside around Shiplake on Sunday morning.
The Shiplake Country Run was organised by residents Micky Denehy and Ray Wild with help from about 15 volunteers who served hot drinks and acted as marshals. The pair hope that it will become an annual event.
Competitors set off from New Road and followed a route mainly along private roads and the Thames towpath.
They ran south across Mill Lane and around the grounds of Shiplake College, then headed to the riverside via St Peter and St Paul’s Church and along the waterfront past Shiplake lock before returning to New Road via Mill Road. While waiting for the runners to return, spectators were entertained by villager Gareth Evans who played guitar while his daughters Jennie Dearing and Camilla Cordingley sang.
First to finish was 19-year-old student George Hailstone, of Station Road, Shiplake, who came home in 15 minutes and 48 seconds.
He was presented with a trophy by Tudor Taylor, chairman of Shiplake Parish Council.
George said: “It went really well and I'm sure it'll happen again next year. Everyone put in a lot of work to get it off the ground."
Simon Wooller and his grown-up son Alex and daughter Louise, of New Road, Shiplake, crossed the finishing line together in 22 minutes.
Mr Wooller said: "The run was extremely well-organised, the weather was fantastic considering that it rained overnight and it was great to bring the community together."
Everyone who took part got a medal.
Mr Denehy, of New Road, said: "It was a quite an undertaking but we were lucky with the weather and I think it was a success. We attracted a broad mix of people from serious runners to fun runners."
Mr Wild, also of New Road, said: "We wanted to do something for the community and create something which would bring it together every now and again.
“It's taken a lot of hard work and networking but we're very grateful to everyone who supported us."
