KENYAN children's charity Arise and Shine has expressed its gratitude to more than 200 runners and well-wishers who took to the lanes of Stock on Saturday.
The event, in its fifth year, attracted more than 85 adult runners and more than 100 fun runners to the 5km route.
The adult race kicked off at 10.30am, with the kids' fun run at noon, supported by the Billericay Striders, who marshalled the run, and it concluded with a barbecue, stalls, a karate display, and a raffle at the village hall.
Organiser Kirin Welch, 45, of Mill Road, Stock, said: "It's been a really successful day – it's great to raise money for such a fantastic cause. The kids see that the charity is helping children their own age, so they really relate.
"It's been lovely to see everyone from the village and further afield and it's also a great chance to get outdoors for a healthy pastime along a really scenic route."
Some of the children performed on stage after the run, with images of some of the 100-plus Kenyan youngsters who have been helped by Arise and Shine shown on screens behind them.
Matt Stevens, 34, who co-founded the charity eight years ago, said: "The charity is directly influenced by the good work done here at these local events. We currently rent a children's home in the Rift Valley, Kenya, for children who have lost parents, often to HIV, but also to other causes.
"A big thank you must go to everyone who took part.
"We have 30 children aged from four to 18 in our care and this money can help us provide for even more."
The Smith family – Mark, 50, Alyson, 47, and Nathan, 16, of Billericay – were taking part in the fun run for the first time, after spotting a poster at Billericay Station. Alyson said: "It's been an amazing day along a really scenic route- with a friendly atmosphere that suits the whole family.
Mark added: " It's been very well organised, with plenty of stewards directing us and some wonderful people supporting from the road side."
Nathan, who finished ahead of both his parents, said: "I will definitely be back next year because it's been a fun morning – It always feels good to beat your mum and dad and I'll probably do the same next year, too."
