Grinning pumpkins, spooky lighting and fiendish fun were all in strong supply as Osterley Park hosted its first ever Night Run at the weekend.
The event after dark on Saturday (25) was one of 12 taking place at National Trust sites around the country.
Organisers estimate more than 150 runners willing subjected themselves to the chill night air as they gathered on the start line in front of the famous house - all sporting torches on their heads.
There were two routes to choose from; the 2km Explorer was for younger spirits while the 7km long Adventure course would have challenged even the most vigorous of vampires!
Both took the runners around the gardens and estate as dusk rapidly turned to darkness across the park.
Everyone from families to dog walkers, sports enthusiasts and Park Run regulars, set off in the growing darkness – joined by a special appearance by former Olympic and Commonwealth Games athlete Iwan Thomas.
Meanwhile for the less sporty but no less adventurous the house itself welcomed visitors into its shadowy rooms and corridors on specially themed Twilight Tours.
Guests explored the use of light within the house and how it was designed to maximise daylight and candlelight in a time before electricity.
Visitor experience and marketing manager Lyndsey Marshall said: “It was truly a pleasure to see the house bathed in such soft lighting, showing Osterley’s sumptuous interiors in all their candlelit splendour.
“The Stables Café stayed open late, doing a great trade in spiced pumpkin soup and hot sausage rolls and we were joined by West London Brass who kept everyone duly entertained with their encouraging tunes.
“We continued with the spooky crafts and pumpkin carving from the garden events from the day, keeping family members occupied whilst other members of their group ran the course.”
Rob Joules, sports partnership manager said: “Night Run at Osterley was a fantastic series opener.
“Our visitors loved it - for one family it was the first time they have ever run together, for another chap it was the furthest he has ever run.
“We’ve had amazing feedback, with plenty wanting to now sign up to another Night Run event and to come back next year for the next one!”
