The sun shone as animals gathered at Hogmoor Inclosure for a very special start to Easter Sunday.

Hogmoor Inclosure junior parkrun is a free event that takes place every Sunday morning, but the themed events are even more impressive – and this Easter was no exception.

This year’s theme was animals and some of the creatures spotted running ‘wild’ included lots of bunnies and chicks, a few bears, plenty of fantastic foxes, a dragon, lion, butterfly, bumblebee and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Run director Edward ‘Bunny’ Brown took charge of the very ‘serious’ warm-up – along with a few helpers.

“This year’s highlights for me included lots of smiling children’s faces in the spring sunshine, as well as the fun warm-up in animal costumes, with bunny hops from Peppa Pig and butt kicks from the Easter bunny,” said Edward. 

It was Peppa’s first time marshalling at junior parkrun and she was a big hit with the juniors. “My favourite thing was high five-ing all the amazing little runners,” she said.

“I made lots of cute friends and I even sneaked across the finish line at the end!”

One of the big rules of junior parkrun is that only juniors are allowed to cross the finish line, but event director George Longland was lenient with the cheeky piglet. “We made a special allowance for Peppa because she’s only a junior piggy herself – and it was her first time,” said George.

Each week special wristbands are awarded to young runners who have completed a milestone number of junior parkruns.

Joining Ben, Dylan and William in receiving a wristband this week was Ewan Thurtle, who was awarded his ultra band for completing 50 runs.

When asked about his commitment, Ewan captured the ethos of the event.

“I love junior parkrun because it’s not about winning or breaking your personal best,” he said. “For me, it’s just about having fun. Doing junior parkrun makes me feel happy, excited, joyful and filled up.”

Another runner who agrees wholeheartedly with this sentiment is Shreya Morgan, who has been coming to Hogmoor Inclosure junior parkrun since the very first event nearly four years ago. “I have kept coming because it’s a fun way to get exercise without it being too serious,” she said.

All that fun has clearly paid off as the Easter special event coincided with Shreya’s 100th run, which is a record number for this local junior parkrun. 

Long-time volunteer – and part-time Hogmoor bear – Aggie Longland feels there is something unique about junior parkrun, especially the ‘special’ events.

“I love it when people dress up and get into the spirit of things – and when people dress up at Hogmoor junior parkrun, they really go for it,” she said. “I love seeing how happy the costumes make the kids – it’s like it gives them all extra energy as they run, skip or hop round.”

Mum Aline and her junior dragon and lion definitely appreciated the colourful costumes. “It was such an amazing run,” said Aline. “My girls (aged six and seven) got personal bests as it was ever-so-easy to run and spot the next volunteer wearing an amazing animal costume. Thank you so much for your time and smiles team.”

Event director George added: “There is something so magical about the Hogmoor junior parkrun family and we are lucky to have the very best volunteers who make this incredible free event happen every Sunday.

“From the marshals waving and cheering, to the photographers recording such precious memories, we simply couldn’t operate without a full roster of people willing to give up their Sunday mornings. We are always on the lookout for new and enthusiastic volunteers.” 

Anyone who is interested in taking part or volunteering should visit www.parkrun.org.uk or search for the Hogmoor Inclosure junior parkrun Facebook page for more information and lots of photos.

George Longland