There was plenty of festive fun at the Hogmoor Inclosure junior parkrun Christmas special.

More than 40 young runners and walkers were supported by friends, family and volunteers who helped create a festive feel to the morning with Christmas jumpers, hats and costumes.

Among the characters visiting junior parkrun were a Christmas tree, a cracker, a penguin, a present, a banana, a dinosaur and a chicken – as well as the main man himself, Santa!

Regular volunteer Amanda Brown said: “A penguin, a parcel and Santa – it must be Christmas at junior parkrun!”

Mum Mari Goldsmith may have even discovered the true identity of the Hogmoor Santa. “We loved the effort the volunteers went to with their costumes – as usual they really spurred on my five-year-old.

“She was especially excited that Father Christmas was there – the same one who was at her school disco, so he must have been the real one!”

Out on the course was Karen Heard, Santa’s chief elf. “The look on the kids’ faces when they saw Santa along the route was priceless,” she said.

“Santa was “ho-ho-hoing” and I was jingling bells. It was lovely to see so many dressed up and a special mention to all the parents who made an effort – I am sure there were more festive jumpers than usual!”

Amanda added: “A special thank you too to the parent who bought coffee for a few of us volunteers – that meant such a lot!”

Volunteers are at the heart of parkruns all over the world and they are appreciated by grown-ups and children. Susan Forrester said: “It’s not a weekend for us without going to parkruns at Hogmoor. Thank you to all the volunteers who make this possible,”

Long-time junior runner Fabian Birch is a big fan of the special events. “I love my local junior parkrun and the volunteers dress up really well, including my granny who is the very best Christmas tree!”

The rest of the core team of volunteers agreed. Event director George Longland said: “Over the years we’ve seen Trish dress up for all of our special events, from witches and cats at Halloween to the Queen herself as part of the Platinum Jubilee.

“Previously she was Mrs Santa but this year’s Christmas tree is going to take some beating. It is even more impressive that all Trish’s costumes are home-made!”

Helen Bryce took along her cousin and his daughters who were visiting from Perth, Australia, and the event definitely left a good impression.

“They were overwhelmed with the super-friendly, fun and enthusiastic atmosphere and will now be seeking out similar events back home!” she said.

Junior parkrun is a weekly free event for those aged four to 14 and young runners earn wristbands after completing milestone numbers of runs.

Lucas Hall is no stranger to Hogmoor junior parkrun and received his ultra-distance wristband as part of the Christmas special.

“I like that you can get things for running – it can make first-timers run faster and it makes me faster too,” he said.

Lucas and his sister Liana celebrated with candy canes afterwards in Hogmoor café with dad Russell and the rest of the run directing core team.

George added: “There is something uniquely special about junior parkrun – where else can you dress up, help others, see Santa and spend time with friends of all ages?

“It is a fully-inclusive family and we’re always welcoming of new members.”

For more information visit www.parkrun.org.uk