“We’ve planned in case of 1,500 people coming. Hopefully that many people turn up, but we’ll be happy whatever happens. We always have a good laugh.”
Worcester parkrun’s Christmas Day run broke information with their highest attended occasion occasion in 2024, with 1,000 contributors, round double their common attendance.
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This yr, volunteers are hoping to beat that record.
The 5k occasion takes place each Saturday at 09:00 GMT round Worcester County Hall and Worcester Woods Country Park, and on Christmas Day, runners and walkers come out in drive, with many donned in festive outfits.
Richard Ralphs, the Worcester Parkrun occasion director, is without doubt one of the 70-80 volunteers at this yr’s free Christmas Day occasion, with Mr Ralphs calling the volunteers the lifeblood of the occasion.
“[Last year] was quite a shock, all the other Christmas Days have been fairly normal for attendance – maybe five to 10% higher, but this was nearly double,” he mentioned.
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“So we will see on Thursday whether we get a bumper attendance.”
Many folks run the race in festive apparel, from Santa hats to elf costumes, though typically extra shocking outfits are worn.
Last yr, there have been folks wearing dinosaur costumes.
“I’m not sure what’s Christmas-y about dinosaurs, but there were Christmas dinosaurs there. Anything goes,” Mr Ralphs mentioned.
Runners typically gown up in festive apparel, from Santa hats to reindeer headbands [BBC]
Mr Ralphs mentioned it was a straightforward one to tick off the New Year’s resolutions, and a launchpad for attempting different bodily actions.
But whereas many individuals may shudder on the considered bodily exertion on Christmas Day, Mr Ralphs mentioned occasions had modified.
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“As a nation, we’re a bit more active than it used to be, so it’s not that unusual to go for a run on Christmas Day, whereas it used to be really niche,” he mentioned.
When requested why the Parkrun was particular, Mr Ralphs mentioned: “I think it’s just the fun element, seeing your friends. It’s a nice start to the day.
“Let’s be trustworthy, it is not for everyone, lots of people need to get up and have an eggnog or a glass of champagne.
“But if you want, you can have a run, see your mates have a giggle and maybe burn off a few calories.”
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