Our annual BIG CHRISTMAS RUN was a sparkling success with 18 runners going 6km to help the Liverpool Irish Centre.

For the second year, we marked the last run while everyone is still in town (one final last run next week for folks who are still here!) with a trip to the Liverpool Irish Centre - a community hub and base for language learning and traditional music - to decorate their bar area. And for the second year, this also involved customising our red t-shirts with festive trimmings, leading to more than a few bemused looks from pedestrians and honks aplenty from drivers.

We were warmly greeted at the centre (a little too warm, it was boiling in there!) by Clodagh and handed boxes of slightly random decorations plus orange squash and chocolates. Without blutac or sellotape, the team came up with some ingenious hanging solutions and the place was soon fully decked out!

Once finished, we gate crashed the children's Christmas party in the room next door and rather than a fitness session, played a round of musical statues. Chris H. was our last man standing and did a fab job of balancing (don't mention that he was beaten by an eight year old!).

How can I pick the best outfit? There were so many great efforts! So here's a shout out to Molly, who ran 6km dressed as a giant Christmas present; to Ro-dolf, who ran while wearing a red flashing nose; to Pauline for an entirely festive outfit from head to toe; and to Baptiste for his Mrs. Claus drag outfit, over his much awaited (by me, not him!) RED t-shirt.

Everyone looked fab and we were even back-marked by our own Sam-ta Claus!

After the run, we headed to a local pub for a festive social and were joined by 3 others who couldn't make the run but wanted to join the fun. Thanks to everyone for being such good sports and bringing the Christmas spirit to GG Lpool. What a special team I have!

At the pub, we talked about our running goals for 2020 and I'll be picking up this conversation with all of you again soon!!!!

Next week is our FINAL Group Run of 2019 so sign-up here. If you can't wait until then, there's a Community Misson on Sunday morning. See you then!

P.S. Kudos to John who came up with this pun way back in the April, and to me for remembering it! ;)