COMMUNITY runners donned fancy dress for the return of a popular event on Boxing Day.

Halstead Road Runners’ festive favourite Turkey Trot returned this year after a year off.

The Trot is a long standing tradition at the club, but was called off last year like many other events due to the pandemic.

The event is a 5km – 3.1-mile – run around the town and is slightly different form a normal run.

It sees runners aiming to finish as close to their predicted times as possible, made tougher by a ban on carrying any timing devices.

Runners also enjoy the fancy dress aspect of the run, with awards going to the best costume.

Paul Hinsley won best fancy dress on the day with his SpongeBob-Baywatch ensemble.

Event organiser Bob Langley said: “The route was moved from the countryside to Halstead town a number of years ago so that residents would have a chance of seeing the runners and walkers in their brilliant costumes.

“It was great to see shepherds competing against Captain America and, of course, Santa was involved as well.”

A large group of walkers and dogs set off on the course at 9.30am, with the runners following close behind at 10am.

Many runners took part despite the poor weather.

In first place, finishing within five seconds off his predicted time, was Perry James.

He was presented with the Fred Humphrey Memorial Trophy and a cash prize donated by former member Brian Brown.

Nathan and Evelyn Roulson finished in second place, with a 12-second difference from their estimated time, and Tom Martin was third, with a 20-second difference.

Chairwoman of the Halstead Road Runners Charlotte May said: “It is fantastic to be able to host our annual Turkey Trot event again this year after cancelling last year’s due to the pandemic.

“Bob Langley always organises a superb event and it is nice to see so many people from the local community come and take part.”