'Anything goes' at Christmas Day parkrun

Organisers of a Christmas Day parkrun in Worcester have said "everyone" is welcome, after 700 took part last year.

People will start at County Hall and go around Worcester Woods from 09:00 GMT.

Outlining the atmosphere on 25 December, event organiser Richard Ralphs described "lots of Santa hats, people dressed in Santa suits, elves, fairies - anything goes on Christmas Day".

He added: "It's a big dilemma. Do you open your presents before or do you wait till afterwards?"

Ahead of the Worcester Parkrun, Mr Ralphs said there were participants over from Australia at the moment and people coming from New Zealand.

"Especially on Christmas Day it's... just a day when we can sort of all get together and not think too much about the times and running fast.

"We just sort of celebrate all being together and meeting family who've come up from around different parts of the world."

The organiser said it was "really good fun", adding: "I can't believe how many people come on Christmas Day, to be honest."

"We get straight into the mince pies in fact before and after the event.

"Some people even bring their own mulled wine [and] obviously get a lift home afterwards."

Mr Ralphs also mentioned similar events, singling out Arrow Valley, Evesham and Hereford.

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