HUNDREDS of runners descended on Thornbury on Saturday for the town's first ever parkrun event.

The running craze, which has seen thousands take part in the free weekly 5km runs across the country, announced earlier this year it would be coming to Thornbury, with 337 runners putting their best foot forward for the inaugural event.

Runners taking part on the Mundy Playing Fields ranged from 10 to 74-years-old, with an impressive 108 participants being brand new parkrunners.

"It was fantastic, we are chuffed to bits with how well it went," said event director Ian Shepherd.

"It was absolutely buzzing There were way more people than we expected and yet it went as smoothly as we could have hoped for.

"We had a full spectrum of ages and everyone was well represented, with plenty of families and even someone pushing a buggy around.

"I was actually wondering how long it would be until someone attempted to run with one and there it was on event number one with no problems."

Ian joked that, having arrived early to set up, there was suddenly a moment "straight out of a zombie film" where participants descended on the field from all directions.

"There were so many high-vis zombies in running kit seeping into the park and before you knew it, the place was packed.

"By the time we got to the stage for the briefing, there was such a crowd and everyone was ready to get going."

First to finish the course, with an impressive sub-18 minute time, was David Awde, with 15-year-old James Harrod not far behind in second and Thornbury Running Club's Nick Williams in third.

The fastest female runner, Hannah Hobbs, was hot on their heels, placing fourth overall.

Ian said how it was the perfect way to start the event's time in Thornbury, which will be taking place every Saturday at 9am.

"A big thank you goes out to all our volunteers. So many said how much they enjoyed it and cannot wait to be back, which really means a lot."

For more information on Thornbury parkrun and how to sign up, visit www.parkrun.org.uk/thornbury