It may be Christmas Day, but rather than digging into their stockings to see what gifts Santa has brought them, keen joggers will be pulling on their running shoes.

For a lot of athletes, runners and people who enjoy getting fit, the festive season includes trying to fit an extra Parkrun into their busy schedule.

The free event, which started in England but has now spread across the globe, begun in 2004 and sees runners meet up on Saturday mornings in parks at 9am to take on a 5km (3.1 mile) course.

There are around 15 Parkruns in Kent and hundreds more across the country.

While many sports take a break for the festive holidays, there are special Parkruns held on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Some start times are staggered so people can take part in more than one.

Parkrunners stick on their Santa hats and brace themselves for a chilly morning jaunt.

Dartford Parkrun’s event director, Barry Nicholson, who took up his role this year, said it was phenomenal how big the activity had become.

He said: “I think for certain people they feel that Christmas Day is a special day.

“By incorporating Parkrun into the day, it makes it magical for them.

“A lot of people plan for New Year’s Day to take on two runs, one after each other, but for the general person just going out it will be the start of their New Year resolutions.

“I think they will have deserved a mince pie or a glass of Champagne after their Parkrun on Christmas Day.”

He added: “I think it brings a lot of people from different parts of our community together.

“It is not just about experienced runners – it is about people who want to improve their life.

“We have people involved from about six to 70s. It covers all aspects and walks of life.

“When you have finished every Parkrun there is a good vibe.”

Events taking place near you

Christmas Day

Ashford (9am)

Tunbridge Wells (9am)

Whitstable (9am)

Great Lines, Medway (9am)

Maidstone (9am)

Margate (9.30am)

New Year’s Day

Whitstable (9am)

Maidstone (8.30am)

Pegwell Bay (10am)

Shorne Woods (10.30am)Canterbury (10.30am)

Sittingbourne (10.30am)

Tonbridge (10.30am)

Double check times and venue details at parkrun.org.uk/christmas-compendium.

Parkrun in numbers

Number of events: 98,661

Number of runners: 1,498,665

Number of runs: 18,579,250

Number of locations: 487

Number of clubs: 4,880

Number of PBs: 3,469,523

Average runs per event: 188.3

Average number of runs per runner: 12.4

Average run time: 00:28:12

Total hours run: 996 years 356 days 5hrs 42min 45secs

Total distance run: 92,896,250km

Female record holder: Hannah Walker - 15:55 (27/07/13)

Male record holder: Andrew Baddeley - 13:48 (11/08/12)