HUNDREDS of runners had an active start to 2024 at Highwoods Parkrun.

The free 5k run, which is run by volunteers and usually held at High Woods Country Park in Colchester at 9am every Saturday, put on an extra event to welcome in the new year on Monday.

Parkrun events in Harwich and Clacton also held New Year's Day events, while the popular event at Colchester's Castle Park held an additional event on Christmas Day.

More than 220 people turned up to run, jog, or walk five kilometres around the park, including youngsters and some furry friends.

Gazette: Team - the event is run by volunteersTeam - the event is run by volunteers (Image: Chris Stevenson)

Teenager Finn Rattray, who is a member of the Colchester and Tendring Athletics Club, was the first over the finish line with an impressive time of just over 18 minutes.

James Morley was hot on Finn's heels 14 seconds later, earning himself a personal best on the Highwoods course despite the muddy conditions.

Runners enjoyed a well-earned coffee and a catch-up at the cafe in the nearby Tesco supermarket after the run, which started at High Woods' Chanterelle car park.

More than 4,000 people have finished Highwoods Parkrun since it was first launched, clocking up an impressive 16,366 finishes between them.

Across the world, there are 1,234 Parkrun events taking place every weekend and the craze is constantly growing.

Events are also held on Mersea Island and at Markshall Estate in Coggeshall.