WALKERS, joggers and runners made their way around a 10-kilometre course to raise money for research into heart disease.

The fifth British Heart Foundation run, above, was held at the picturesque setting of Blenheim Palace, Woodstock.

On Sunday, 950 people gathered at the starting point – the largest number of people to join in yet, said event organiser Sarah Kirkpatrick.

Miss Kirkpatrick, who hopes the run could raise £30,000, said: “Heart disease is the most common cause of premature death in the UK, so it affects a lot of people.

“In terms of getting people participating, this event gets them out and encourages them to adopt a physical lifestyle. When you get to Blenheim, you get the buzz of the atmosphere of the run and it keeps everyone going.” She added: “The British Heart Foundation spends £100 a minute on research, so the funds are very important to us.”

One in three UK deaths is caused by heart and circulatory disease.