Shropshire Star

Jogging off festive excesses at Attingham Park jumper run - with pictures

Families donned their Christmas jumpers for one last time to jog off the Christmas excess at Attingham Park.

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The National Trust hall near Shrewsbury was the historic setting for more than 100 people to take part in a run around the deer park on the estate.

For many it was the first chance to burn off the calories of Christmas and the New Year.

The mile-long course attracted mostly families, keen to enjoy a run together.

And everyone got into the spirit of the festive jumper theme, some more than others.

Craig and Claire Upton with Dan, five, and Jess, nine.

The site of elves and Santas caused even the grazing deer close to the run route to lift their heads and wonder what was happening.

Visitor experience manager Claire Tafft said the run was designed to attract families and those just beginning to enjoy running.

"It was designed as a family run to get people out and about together in the fresh air," she said.

"We have lots of activities including our popular Mad Jack 5k run and we have teamed up with local schools to hold their cross country events."

For the Upton family from Broseley it was their second run of the day.

Jon, Louise and Ella Statham

Craig and Claire Upton were joined by their children, five-year-old Dan and nine-year-old Jess, at Attingham Park after all four completed the Shrewsbury 5k Park Run. Dan and Jess even managed sprint finishes in front of the historic hall.

Mr Upton said it was great to be able to do something as a family.

He marshalls at the Telford Junior Park Run in the town park on Sundays at 10am.

Laura France from Shrewsbury, was joined on the run by children Molly, 11, Alfie, eight, and five-year-old Evie, while Louie three looked on on his tricycle.

Nine-year-old Ella Statham who enjoys running at Oxon Primary School, persuaded her mum and dad, Louisa and Jon to go along to the jumper run.

Mere runners from Ellesmere, Jo Knowles, Lucy Phoenix and Sonia Dobson

A contingent run from the Telford Harriers, many having travelled from the Park Run in the town to take park.

Harrier, Dawn Boden, who has been running for 18 months, said: "It is nice for the families, especially for the little ones t to be able to enjoy at run and get a medal."

Travelling from the Mere Runners couch to 5k group in Ellesmere were Jo Knowles and Sonia Dobson and, her 13 year old daughter, Lucy Pheonix.

William and Nicola Groome with Rachael Day and Maisie Hodgson

Having completed her couch to 5k Lucy said she know enjoyed athletics with the Oswestry Special Olympians.

Sonia said: "Running really has changed my life. I feel much fitter now and my asthma is more under control."

Jo said it had helped her socially.

"I have made friends for life thanks to the running group," she said.

Others taking part included William and Nicola Groome from Bridgnorth and family members Rachael Day and Maisie Hodson.