As the mist danced across London Fields, there was a festive feeling in the air!

With a bumper volunteer turn out, the usual suspects took to their posts:

Rue on Timekeeper Sooz on warm up Hilary, Louise, Nicolas out in marshal positions and Sarah on her tree!

The GoodGym squad as helped out as we recognised a rostrum of milestone achievers and then the junior runners were off.

Thanks to the fantastic volunteers, 43 youngsters - with NINE new personals best - made it through the 2km run with big smiles and big finishes.

See you down at the Fields next week for more festive fun!

It was a festive-feeling evening as we jogged over to Plaistow Primary, where Rosie – deputy head and top Newham GoodGymmer – had a stack of books waiting for us to turn into presents.

On the run over we caught up with Eugene, back from Morocco and full of stories (and presumably tagine). Once inside, we settled into a rhythm of fold–tape–repeat, with plenty of interesting chat including a deep dive into unusual world champions. My favourite has to be Rock–Paper–Scissors world champion who, unbelievably, was prevented from defending their title due to an arm injury. The cruel fate of niche elite sport.

We wrapped a solid pile of books before our scheduled finishing time, but we were pleased to hear that the dinner ladies would be finishing the rest later in the week. Apparently they are clinically efficient in their execution of these sorts of tasks, so the presents are in very safe hands.

One last task for 2025 is lined up for next week at Hackney Marshes Adventure Playground, and then we’re onto lining up a whole load of sessions for January. Perfect timing to catch everyone with fresh New Year’s resolutions to get fit, do good, and support their local community.

Good wrapping, good running, good company. GoodGym. 🎁🏃‍♂️✨