THE popular Saturday morning Longrun Meadow parkrun has been going for a decade now.

And back in 2014, the first anniversary was marked with a fancy dress run featuring pirates, mermaids, crocodiles and even the cast of Baywatch, who all decided to forego a Saturday morning lie-in to run through miles of mud and puddles in Taunton.

Organisers encouraged runners to arrive in water-themed fancy dress – made all the more appropriate when the heavens opened before the run and the rain persisted throughout.

In total, 220 people took part and the first runner to complete the 5km course was David Tomlin in 16 minutes, 49 seconds. The first woman back was Natasha Blunt, in 19 minutes, 31 seconds.

The reward for all the runners when they completed the course was generous helpings of cake.

Event organiser and run director Dave Bullock was presented with a special cake – featuring a picture of him – and a golden bucket to help him bail out the larger puddles in the winter.

Dave’s daughter Jess, 11, was also given a gift for helping out at the parkrun from its beginnings.

Organisers praised Jess for her reliable and efficient support, and for taking on any task with a smile.

Organisers also thanked their team of volunteers, including stalwart Jan Burton, who had missed only one of the 52 parkruns to have taken place in the first year.