City hosts its largest Christmas Day park run

Phillip Norton/ BBC A very large group of people in running gear and festive outfits. One person is wearing a present costume.Phillip Norton/ BBC
Farhat Ali Baig A group of people in festive outfits stood in a park smiling at the camera.Farhat Ali Baig

Someone's present made a run for it
Festive characters of all ages and abilities took part in the race

More than 700 people laced up their training shoes to take part in Hull's biggest ever Christmas Parkrun.

East Park saw 708 runners, joggers and walkers take to the 5km (3.1 mile) course on Christmas Day morning.

The event featured participants from the city and beyond - including the Democratic Republic of Congo and New Jersey in the US.

British long-distance runner Becky Briggs, who holds the fastest time for the Hull event, also took part.

Diane Mawer, communications lead at Hull Parkrun, said: "The numbers were phenomenal."

Many of those who took part dressed up as festive characters, such as Santa, reindeers and snowmen.

Ms Mawer, who has been involved since 2010, added: "There is something so special about it on Christmas Day.

"It was amazing. It was just something for families to do and have a little bit of joy."

The event also had an increase in volunteers, with 38 people helping set up the course, time participants and process the results.

Hull Parkrun will be hosting a New Year's Day run, as well as their usual weekly events.

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