A newspaper’s annual charity run round the grounds of a stately home has resulted in an unexpected success for one of its journalists.

Ed Mezzetti, athletics writer with the Oxford Mail, won its annual Ox5 event staged in aid of the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

Around 1,000 people signed up to pound the grounds at Blenheim Palace, and it was sports reporter and keen runner Ed who came out on top.

The annual event raises more than £60,000 for the charity, and the paper is hopeful this year’s total could be a best-ever.

From left: Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas, women’s winner Rebecca Clist, men’s winner Ed Mezzetti and chef Raymond Blanc

Competitors raced through the world-famous estate in glorious weather, with Ed and Rebecca Clist, from Witney, winning the men’s and women’s races respectively.

Ed, a member of Oxford City Running Club, completed the circuit in 28mins 5secs.

He said: “It was the fourth time I have run this race but the first time I have won. I’m really pleased.”

Famous names to compete included Oxford chef Raymond Blanc and television sports reporter Jim Rosenthal.

Oxford Mail promotions manager Jo Coady added:  “We had a fantastic turn out and I hope we raise the most money ever for the children’s hospital.”