IT was a first for lovers of fresh air and fitness.

The first junior parkrun to be held on Christmas Eve and the first Weymouth Parkrun to be held on Christmas Day were declared a success.

On December 24, Weymouth junior parkrun ran its first Christmas Eve run.

Thanks to the help from its stalwart band of volunteers and despite the cold weather, more than102 children and their parents and carers had the chance to take up a two kilometre run around Lodmoor Country Park chasing a Christmas pudding played gamely by Bruce Campbell.

Elf Run Director Stella Campbell led the morning exercise to start the run and the tail walker was an Elf (also known as Ian Martin) and along the route there were numerous friendly elves and Santas to cheer the children on with magical high fives.

Some 13 new runners were welcomed among the children and their families and celebrated 11 personal bests.

At the end of the run the children were greeted with hot chocolate and chocolates (and mince pies for the adults).

And Weymouth parkrun also had a first, namely a run on Christmas Day.

And despite it being Christmas Day they were greeted by 339 happy park runners who, despite the cold, turned up in a variety of fancy dress from snowmen to Santa and elves to Christmas puddings.

Runners went on a five kilometre run chasing the lead bike and the last ones were swept up by the eleven tail walker. Many of the runners then went on to complete the Weymouth Harbour Christmas Day swim.

Organisers wish to thank the Friends of Lodmoor Country Park and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council for their support of the parkrun. Weymouth parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9 am at the Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth and all are welcome.