Norfolk could be set for its first 'official' marathon, with one of the county's district councils looking to fire the starter's pistol on the event.

North Norfolk District Council has earmarked its picturesque coastline to host a series of annual runs, with October 2019 targeted for the inaugural event.

While the exact route is still to be determined, it is likely West Runton will be including on the path, given the event's proposed name of the Mammoth run.

In 1990, the remains of a woolly mammoth was discovered in the village, and it is this history council bosses plan to draw upon in promoting the event.

In a report to the council's cabinet, officer Sandra Portas said the proposed events would provide the county's first 'official' marathon.

She said: 'Currently, there is no 'official' county marathon championship which takes place in Norfolk - official meaning run according to UK Athletics rules.

'This means there is scope for a new flagship event to take place in North Norfolk.'

If members of the cabinet agree to push forward with the plans, the event would be piloted next autumn as a combined marathon and half marathon.

However, if this is deemed a success, the Mammoth events could be expanded to include 10km runs, 1km children's races and cycling events, as the district council looks to promote both healthy living and the region's deep history coastline.

It is estimated the event would cost the council in the region of £20,000 to organise, but would generate more than double this as income.

At the council's next cabinet meeting - on Monday, October 1 - members will discuss whether to go ahead with the plans and begin plotting an exact route if so.

Members will also decide whether to run the event independently or with the support of a partner organisation, with officers recommending they collaborate with the North Norfolk Beach Runners on the plans.

The report adds: 'It is considered putting on an event such as this will not only be inherently good and help address our commitment to health lifestyles, but will act as a promotional tool to attract visitors and help promote the deep history coast.'