The 2023 junior parkrun Christmas event at Hogmoor Inclosure was so special that it happened twice.

Families were treated to a double helping of festive fun and fitness, as event director George Longland explained.

“We would usually hold our Christmas special event on the weekend around December 17, but we really wanted to take advantage of Whitehill & Bordon Community Trust’s beautiful Christmas at Hogmoor event being held the weekend before,” said George.

“It didn’t take much deliberation among the team to decide to host two events.

“With a craft fair, a grotto and music one weekend and a visit from a very special guest the following Sunday, this has been a very magical December for all of us.”

Photographers Kelvin Perry and Sheena Booker were on hand to capture the magic of the events and long-term volunteer Aggie is thankful for the memories created each year. “I love looking through the photos afterwards and seeing all the smiles and fun we had,” she said. “It’s like looking through a huge Christmas photo album of all my parkrun family.”

Among the tinsel and sparkle, there were many festive characters to be spotted at Christmas parkrun at Hogmoor Inclosure this year.

From penguins and crackers to elves, a Christmas tree and even Darth Vadar – the costumes were as eclectic and colourful as ever. Father Christmas himself even made an appearance and had a lot of fun handing out high fives and smiles before jetting off to prepare for the big day.

Junior parkrun is a weekly free event for those aged four to 14. For more information visit www.parkrun.org.uk