Wellington Celebrates Christmas with Record Parkrun Participation

Wellingtonians embraced the spirit of Christmas on December 25, 2023, with community events that combined exercise, tradition, and the city’s characteristic weather. A record-breaking 8,702 participants joined parkruns across New Zealand, highlighting the festive atmosphere and the importance of fitness during the holiday season.

At the Lower Hutt parkrun, Charlotte Sefton, 27, and Robyn Harvey-Smith, 26, among the 391 runners, donned Santa hats and elf costumes as they kicked off the event at 8 a.m.. The parkrun, a popular free 5km event, welcomes runners and walkers of all abilities every Saturday. This year, 39 locations in New Zealand participated in the Christmas Day event, supported by 664 volunteers.

Sefton and Harvey-Smith, who are from London, are travelling through New Zealand in a van with the aim of completing a parkrun every weekend over the course of a year. “It’s something to give us routine while we’re travelling and you see some great places from it,” Sefton noted. This Christmas marked a special occasion for them, being their first summer Christmas. “It’s nice to get out in the community on Christmas Day,” she added.

Family-oriented celebrations also characterized the day, as Paul and Julia Gordon brought their family along for the event. Their granddaughters, Beatrice Hale, 10, and Evie, 4, opened one present before the run. For Evie, it was her first run, although some assistance was needed to reach the finish line. The family planned to return home afterward for more gifts and a festive lunch.

In nearby Petone, Richard Wake enjoyed a round of golf at Shandon Golf Club with his son and his son’s girlfriend. Meanwhile, his wife was at the gym, contributing to their traditional Christmas routine. Wake expressed satisfaction with the relaxed nature of the day, particularly as his son, Caleb, had recently returned from studying in the United States. “It’s always good to be home,” he said, reflecting on the contrast with his previous four Christmases spent in the snow.

At Days Bay, participants participated in another Christmas tradition. Kevin Lenahan and his son, along with friends, counted down in Gaeilge before making a brisk plunge into the cold water. Jess Davidson, who joined them, remarked, “What a crazy tradition,” moments before they all took a second dip in the chilly bay.

On the beach, Abbie Kate Brown and her family braved the wind for a festive picnic, continuing a new tradition initiated last year. Following an Italian seafood dinner on Christmas Eve, the family set up their blanket, complete with coffee and Christmas crackers. Seagulls joined in, drawn by the leftovers from their meal.

This unique blend of community spirit, outdoor activity, and festive traditions showcased the warmth and vibrancy of Wellington on Christmas Day, reinforcing the city’s reputation for celebrating the holiday in style.