THREE keen Harwich Runners joined thousands of others around the country in specially-arranged Parkruns.

Richard Flutter was among 129 runners for a cold and icy start at the Colchester Parkrun, in Castle Park.

He was rewarded for his enthusiasm with 12th place in a time of 19 minutes and 49 seconds - just three seconds off his course best and first male in the 45-49 category.

Another regular Parkrunner, Louise Papworth, finished 111th overall and 33rd woman out of 42 in a time of 30m 20s.

Meanwhile, Peter Clark, while in Yorkshire for the holiday period, headed for the Skipton Parkrun for the first time.

On a four-lap, hilly, Tarmac course, and not feeling at his best, he settled for a steady run and came 17th in a field of 88 runners.

He was also second male in the 50–54 years age group, in 22m 14s.