It was a record turnout as nearly 700 athletes raced round a historic Hampshire estate for an annual event.

672 competitors took part in the Romsey 5 Mile Run around the Broadlands estates with the majority of the runners in the over-50s age bracket and organisers praising the high uptake of first timers who braved the inclement weather to take part.

Southampton Athletics Club runners came in first with the overall winnas Richard Waldron who came in at 25 minutes, 42 seconds, and the first woman Jen Elkins from Romsey making it round the course in 27 minutes, 54 seconds.

Octogenarians Thelma Dowling – who took up running at the age of 72 – and Roger Barker were the oldest runners in the race.

The race takes place in the grounds of the home of High Steward of Romsey and Mountbatten heiress Lady Brabourne which was also home to 19th century British Prime Minister Viscount Palmerston, Henry Temple.

The event has been going for more than 20 years and is one of the principal events for the Chapel Lane-based sports events company Offbeat Events.