I thought I was early when I arrived at Whipsnade Zoo on Sunday but there were others who had got there long before me and so the course was pretty much ready and waiting for everyone to come along and race . .

so much so that Race Director Mark was able to stroll around the Zoo with a broad grin on his face just an hour before start time . .

it was somewhat cool for a June morning and so the Jazzercise was a great way of warming up . . and meanwhile the Lawn was filling up with runners and their families and friends . .

at 9.30 the 6th ZSL Whipsnade Zoo 10k started, once Mark had managed to get a noise out of the klaxon that is . . the leading runners were amused that it took more than one attempt to do so . .

and on their three circuits of the Zoo the runners were able to catch glimpses of many of the Zoo's residents - in particular these Flamingoes . .

when the results were ready the winners were presented with their prizes . .

and once the presentation and the 2k fun run were over . . we were able to spend time moving around the Zoo's grounds at a more leisurely pace . .

please use the buttons below and to the left to find your way round the photos - I hope you enjoy them - and thanks to Dunstable Road Runners and ZSL for inviting me to take photos of this great event once again . .