The worlds best ultramarathons, parkrun is giving us the gift of running this Christmas.

Held every Saturday morning at 9am in around 1,300 different locations across the UK (and in hundreds more locations across the globe), parkrun Updated: 16 December 2024 5K run and a firm fixture in many runners’ diaries. But that’s not all – as in previous years, parkrunners will be able to come together more frequently this festive season, as some venues will be hosting bonus events on Christmas Day (25 December), which this year falls on a Wednesday.

In addition, several venues will be staging Junior parkruns – otherwise held every Sunday at 9am – this Christmas, which means that youngsters can enjoy some seasonal running cheer over a 2km course.

It’s worth noting that you won’t find an event at all parkrun locations this Christmas Day – so please visit the parkrun website to check your options in advance. Here, you’ll also spy the venues that will be holding special parkrun events on New Year’s Day (1 January) the following Wednesday.

If your usual venue doesn’t make the Christmas cut, why not visit pastures new and embark on some parkrun tourism? After your running efforts, you can then head home to rehydrate and refuel over Christmas lunch, before, of course, taking a recovery nap on the sofa.

If you haven’t run it already, you could take part in the picturesque Bushy Park parkrun – the oldest parkrun in the world and largest in the UK – in southeast London on 25 December.

Alternatively, this Christmas, you could lace up for Bromley or Poole parkruns, which are known as two of the flattest and fastest parkruns in the country. Or, if you want a challenge, opt for Woolacombe Dunes parkrun in the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is often considered one of the most gorgeous but gruelling parkruns going.

Either way, whether you want to smash your parkrun PB or do a more leisurely 5K loop with some running friends, don’t forget to add some festive leggings, a Santa hat or a sparkly string of tinsel to your parkrun kit list this Christmas.