The weekly event in Stratford Park began in August 2019 but the coronavirus pandemic has meant that this celebration has been a long time coming.

One of the runners and volunteers, Jane Wooley from Cheltenham said: “It's two years since we last visited Stratford Park and we were looking for a slightly hilly, dog-friendly course within an hour from home.

“It was lovely to be back, and when we arrived the runners were nicely spaced out and the cake table looked inviting!”

“It is an interesting course and the marshals are all very cheery and encouraging. It's a friendly team.

"I hadn't forgotten the slog on the 3rd lap and bringing a spaniel with me didn't provide the 'assistance' I had anticipated!

“Two toilet stops and having to drag her uphill on the 'parkrun puffer' wasn't in the plan, but I got my 3rd best time and some lovely chocolate cake”

60 participants ran, jogged and walked the course with 7 personal bests. 13 tourists came from as far away as Nottingham, York, Hemel Hempstead, London, Bath & Winchester.

Three genuine first-timers were welcomed to the parkrun family.

There is no Stratford Park parkrun at on Christmas Day