RUNNERS raced into action and raised £2,000 for community groups and charities in Layer.
More than 150 people took part and cash raised has been handed to beneficiaries including the village's pre-school and primary school and St John the Baptist's Parish Church.
The parish council has also received a donation, as have the scout association, the Layer mother and baby group, St Helena Hospice and the Rotary Club of Colchester.
The five-mile run was hosted and organised by Craig Mitchell.
Run and games - Austen Mitchell, Craig Mitchell's cousin, makes his way through the Layer countryside. Pictures: Liam Winters/LW Photography
Mr Mitchell has his own events company, Craig’s Events, and, since starting three years ago, his fundraisers have led to charity donations totalling more than £8,000.
He said: "It was a lovely morning with a great atmosphere and vibe.
"We were blessed with sunshine, too.
"The runners enjoyed a lovely five-mile, off-road run.
Route camp - Clair Cornwell and friends from Colchester Bootcamp
"It was great so many people got behind our community event and we were delighted to raise £2,150.
"This money has already been donated to groups and local charities, with great support from villagers.
"One person came out and gave a donation to one of our marshals, saying how lovely it was to see ‘happy, smiley runners’."
The first male home was Colchester Harriers' Ben Felton, in 27 minutes and 40 seconds.
Rachel Elliott was the first female, in 37m 44s.
Running plan - Colchester Harrier Malcolm Statham
Jumping for joy - Lee Clarkson, from Colchester Bootcamp
Give us a wave - village resident James Robertson sporting his blue Layer 5 top
Dash of the day - Jon Boyles, from Running Colchester
The only way is up - Running Colchester pair Felicity Kemp and Richard Jeffries
Hop, skip and a jump - Scott Champion
Under the finishing arch - work colleagues from main sponsor WESolutions. Pictured are Lizette Oosthuizen, Rebecca Belchambers, Jessica Jonson, Michelle Remzi, Nicole Dean, Bright Bedding and Shay Dile
First past the post - Colchester Harrier Ben Felton
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