THERE were record numbers for the running of the Christmas Day Harlow parkrun.

A record 236 runners, joggers, and walkers enjoyed and/or endured the 5k course around the town park.

That is the second highest number of runners since it returned after the seventy week hiatus due to Covid.

2015: 72

2016: 83

2017: 120

2018: 159

2019: 232

2021: 180

The figure was especially impressive as there had been a run on Christmas Eve as well.

Parkrun depends on its volunteers and one of their most dedicated helpers is John. John stands at the first bend. Week in and week out he is there and has a positive word for everyone. When you see him for the third time, that is very very welcome.

As John could not make it on Christmas Day, course director Lee Webber, invited all to wish John a very merry Christmas.

That is not just the spirit of Christmas but also the spirit of parkrun.

Parkrun returns on New Years Eve (Saturday) and yes, there is one for the resolute on New Years Day,.

For details, click below.

https://www.parkrun.org.uk/harlow/