Parkrun did not take a holiday as hundreds of runners took to the start line at Stevenage for a Christmas Day edition of the 5k run.

In total there were 325 at Fairlands Valley Park and it proved a good morning for Fairlands Valley Spartans too as they claimed a one-two finish.

Jonathan Parr claimed the top step of the podium in a time of 16 minutes 51 seconds ahead of Adrian Busolini who clocked 18:16.


The fastest female Spartan was Tracey Jackson whose time of 23:43 made her the fifth fastest in the ladies' section.

The club had 22 in action at Stevenage with many opting to wear fancy dress in keeping with the festive day.

The Comet: Carole Sheldrick and Caroline Croft of Fairlands Valley Spartans at the Stevenage Parkrun on Christmas Day.Carole Sheldrick and Caroline Croft of Fairlands Valley Spartans at the Stevenage Parkrun on Christmas Day. (Image: Penny Schenkel/FVS)

There were Santa hats, Christmas crackers, little helpers, even grinches and elves, the costume of choice for Carol Sheldrick and Caroline Croft.

Five more ran at various points around the country including Grant Ramsay, who took time out of visiting relations in Edinburgh to finish 40th from 568 in a time of 19:47.

The Comet: Andrew Patterson of Fairlands Valley Spartans won the Pirton Parkrun on Boxing Day.Andrew Patterson of Fairlands Valley Spartans won the Pirton Parkrun on Boxing Day. (Image: Fairlands Valley Spartans)

There was a lower attendance than usual at the Pirton Boxing Day run but Spartan Andrew Patterson didn't mind the miserable weather or mud as he won in a time of 17:48.

There will be also be a New Year’s Day parkrun in Fairlands Valley Park, starting at 9am. It is free to enter but you need to register with Parkrun beforehand.

The Comet: Katie Harbon (left) at the Sunday Cross-country League meeting in Stevenage.Katie Harbon (left) at the Sunday Cross-country League meeting in Stevenage. (Image: North Herts Road Runners)

One week earlier North Herts Road Runners had also enjoyed success in Fairlands Valley Park - this time in the Sunday Cross-country League.

Katie Harbon won the ladies' race for the second week running and Tom Webb finished second overall in a close battle.

The Comet: Tom Webb (second from right) at the Sunday Cross-country League meeting in Stevenage.Tom Webb (second from right) at the Sunday Cross-country League meeting in Stevenage. (Image: North Herts Road Runners)

Rhia Botha also made her return to racing just weeks after giving birth to baby Kaia and she showed no rustiness as she came in as the third scorer for the Squirrels' ladies.