Elgin parkrun hits welcome 50,000th runner during Christmas Day event
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ELGIN parkrun had extra reason to celebrate on Christmas Day as organisers welcomed runner number 50,000.
Parkrun, which organises weekly 5k runs around the United Kingdom, came to Elgin in 2016 – with Chloe Munro the 50,000th person to cross the line in one of the runs.
The teenager, taking part in the race with friends and family, was in the festive spirit as she crossed the finish line dressed as an inflatable penguin.
She was one of the 139 hardy souls who got up bright and early to take part in the run at 9.30am on Christmas morning.
Run director Sam Inch, organising her first Christmas Day parkrun, said: "It was fabulous and the runners really enjoyed it.
"I know people that were there that would have been by themselves otherwise. It's just great Christmas spirit."
The first parkrun in Elgin took place on March 5, 2016, meaning its eighth anniversary is approaching.
Runs take place on Saturday morning at 9.30am – but special events often take place on Christmas and New Year Day.
The event is inclusive for all – a fact highlighted by Chloe Munro crossing the line all dressed up.
Sam added: "It's not just running, there are walkers too and people with kids. We have wheelchair users, although there were none on Christmas Day.
"We had various people dressed up as Christmas puddings, inflatable Santas, Rudolphs, turkeys and even two dogs.
"Chloe was cheered over the finish line. She thought she was just getting a cheer for finishing – she was amazed when she found out she was our 50,000th finisher."
Sam thanked the "many" volunteers that help make the Elgin parkrun possible. A total of 17 helped on Christmas Day.
She also said thanks to Threaplands, who attended to give runners free coffee, tea, mince pies and chocolate.
