Christmas puddings, elves and Father Christmases turned up to the first ever 5k Festive Fun Run in Rickmansworth at the weekend.

More than one hundred people donned festive costumes to take part in the run, which took participants around Rickmansworth Aquadrome on Sunday.

Watford Observer:

The 5km Festive Fun Run, organised by Age UK Hertfordshire, kicked off at 11am and took fundraisers around two laps of the lake.

About 130 people took part on the day, which was in aid of raising awareness and funds for the charity’s work with elderly people in Hertfordshire.

The charity’s fundraising assistant, Beth Hardy, said: "A lot of older people are alone at Christmas. It’s about raising awareness at Christmas time and keeping older people warm over the winter period."

She added: "This was the first ever event we’ve done in south Hertfordshire and it was really good fun.

"It was a real family event and people of all different age groups and abilities took part."

To get people warmed up and gearing to go, an "energetic" Zumba class was held before the run started.

So far, the winter-themed run has brought in £2,000 in donations, but Ms Hardy said sponsorship is still being collected.

The organiser said the charity will definitely be looking to run the event next year.

She said: "People embraced it and they all seemed to love the festive theme. I think it would be such a shame not to do it again next year."

With the first runner completing the course in 18 minutes, Ms Hardy said most participants finished within 40 minutes.

Even dog-walkers dressed up their four-legged friends to complete the 5km course.

Ms Hardy said she would like to thank all the runners who turned up on the day, as well as the volunteers "who did an extraordinary job of cheering people on".

Each runner was given a medal and goody bag as a Christmas gift.