A MIST hovered over the park as a stag, its antlers standing proud, foraged quietly amongst the trees. A cold snap filled the air as the sun tried to pierce a way through the low-lying mist. This could have been picture straight out of the desolate Scottish Highlands, but it was London, just a stone's throw from the River Thames.

This was Bushy Park, lying in the shadow of Hampton Court, shortly after eight o clock on a chilly Saturday morning. Bushy Park is one the royal parks where deer graze. In fact, because of the recent foot and mouth outbreak, warnings had been posted around the park and disinfectant mats had been laid at the entrances.

Every Saturday morning, hundreds of runners gather for the Bushy Park Time Trial, a 5km run around the park. It started in 2004 with just 13 runners, on Saturday there were 336 with the event totally run by volunteers. A free event held every week where runners could turn up and measure their improvement over a flat, off-road course, set in a beautiful environment.

There are now similar time trials held around the country in Wimbledon Common, Basntead Woods, Rolf Valley, Richmond Park and Hyde Park in Leeds.

Oganiser Chris Wright admitted that the idea had originated over a few drinks in a pub a few years ago with him and Paul Sinton-Hewitt. "The time trial has grown and grown," he said. "We wanted to organise something each week at the same time, a race over the same distance which would give runners a target.

"It's free, and with races today costing so much, maybe that is something which organisers of the so-called bigger races should think about."

Now top internationals such as Sonia O'Sullivan and Craig Mottram have also taken part in the past couple of years mingling with club runners and joggers - abilities spread between those running 5km in 15 minutes to 40 minutes.

It has been a sensational formula and what a fantastic race. By the time the woolly hat and thermals came off come race time, the mercury on the thermometer was still hovering close to freezing and you could see your breath mix with the early morning mist.

There was a smattering of schoolboys from the nearby Tiffin School, club runners from strong clubs such as Newham & Essex Beagles AC, Belgrave Harriers and Hercules Wimbledon AC, as well as a veritable feast of enthusiastic runners.

The pace was quick and smart, and I was out of the blocks quickly; more than anything to keep warm. I was surprised and pleased with my pace. It was steady and despite not doing any speed training for the past year, felt quick. I didn't look at the watch, but stuck with the pack and tried to finish strongly picking off runners on the way in.

My time of 20min 54sec was by no means my fastest 5km - I've run 18.30 - but I was over the moon to be running that quick at this stage of the season with a succession of half marathons in my legs. The time was good enough for 69th place and afterwards it was off to Hampton Court with my boys who had emerged from the car for the finish.

By this time, the mist had lifted, the sun was shining and the stag has disappeared.