Community fundraiser Miles of Smiles brought festive humour to Aberdeen parkrun this weekend, as a Grinch-themed charity run marked the event’s 14th birthday.
The weekend run saw Aberdeen parkrun participants and volunteers welcomed by an unexpected festive guest, with Marius Coste, spokesperson for community initiative Miles of Smiles, completing the course dressed as the Grinch. The appearance formed part of an ongoing charity challenge combining creative running events with fundraising for mental health and cancer support causes.
The Grinch run took place during Aberdeen parkrun’s milestone anniversary, adding a light-hearted element to the weekly event while reinforcing the inclusive and community-focused ethos parkrun is known for. Participants and spectators engaged with the initiative throughout the morning, contributing to a positive atmosphere built around shared humour and celebration.
Miles of Smiles has used themed runs across the region to spark conversations around wellbeing and encourage participation from people who may not normally engage with organised running events. The initiative aims to demonstrate that community connection, enjoyment and visibility can play an important role in supporting both physical and mental health.
Marius Coste, spokesperson for Miles of Smiles, said: “Aberdeen parkrun’s 14th birthday felt like the perfect moment to bring a bit of festive fun into the mix. Behind the costume is a serious purpose — using humour and visibility to start conversations, bring people together and support causes that matter. The response from the parkrun community was fantastic.”
The Grinch run forms part of a longer-term fundraising and engagement challenge led by Miles of Smiles, with further themed runs planned in the coming weeks as the initiative continues to build momentum across the North-east.