In a December where the weather is anyone's guess, 8 runners ran 4km to garden, make fires and toast marshmallows in Southwark.

We met at Old Spike and chatted about our fancy dress for Friday (again) - Southwark is not as limited as we first thought and some excellent suggestions were made. Once outfits discussed and playlist added to, we set off... warming up under Christmas lights and running up towards Grove Park Allotments.

Lizzie had left the gate open for us and in we went, torches in hand ready to clear more deadwood and prep a fire after a failed attempt two weeks ago. Matt, Gila, Hanna, Becky and Helena got to work clearing the ivy, bramble and general overgrown corner as well as finding a few old bottles and trash. Beth and Dee assisted Lizzie with the fire whilst Jo found tools & appropriate marshmallow toasting sticks.

The wood we had cleared two weeks ago had mostly dried out which meant a lot less smoke and a lot more efficiency for burning. After a brief moment of nearly burning the shitake log, only what was meant to burn was on the fire.

Some serious clearing then tidying and pyrotechnics later and we were ready for a toasting session. For some, it was the first time they had ever toasted a marshmallow and we were privileged to bear witness!

No need to be mallow-dramatic here

Not wanting to let the sugar rush go to waste, we set off down the hill towards Warwick Park for a quick arms and sprint session.

Tricep dips, press ups and a sprint 5 times. and then it was time for the jog home and the regular food discussions that occur on our runs. A cool down and a goodbye until next time...

It's Burgess Park Parkrun tour this weekend: sign up here and equally as important, and probably a bit funnier, is this Friday's Christmas Party