DOZENS of people braved the cold to kick-start their festive celebrations.

Almost 200 people took part in the Christmas Special park run at Wepre Park over the weekend which saw runners, joggers and walkers taking up the challenge of a colourful selection of outfits.

Rob Mackey, event director, said: "Even the volunteers were in costume as they cheered and supported the runners. There were prizes for the best outfits chosen by the run director of the day.

"If there had been a prize for the person who had most fun that would have been difficult because everyone joined in and had fun."

Wepre Park Run is a free, times 5km run held in the park every Saturday morning at 9am.

The next event will be taking place as usual on Saturday, December 29, and an extra event on New Years Day at 9am.

The Old Hall Cafe is opening for the New Years Day run and will be providing refreshments for parkrunners and volunteers.