There are many are many free events planned for the Christmas Day and New Year. But ardent joggers will pull up their socks and running shoes for the festive season too and would try to put an extra Parkrun into their schedule. Many sports take a break during the festive season, but Parkruns continue to be held. The free event that saw a beginning in England in 2004, has really spread all over the world. A lot of athletes, fitness freaks and runners gather on Saturday mornings to take on a run of 5km, starting at about 9am. To enable people to take part in more than one, some start times are even staggered.
Event director of Dartford Parkrun, Barry Nicholson, took up the role this year and said the activity has become phenomenally big. He felt as Christmas Day is a special day, for some people incorporating Parkrun into the day for them, makes it magical. He said a lot of people plan to take two runs on New Year’s Day, one following the other, but generally it will be start for their New Year resolution for other people. A lot of people from the community from different parts get together and it’s not just experienced runners, but about those who like to improve their life, he added. He pointed out that it involves people from 6 years to their 70s, from all walks and aspects of life and when finished, the Parkrun has a good vibe.
