Can you spot yourself among festively dressed forest challenge runners in West Stow?

The Festive Forest Challenge Run at West Stow Country Park. Picture : RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

Fundraisers took on three courses through The Kings Forest, in West Stow, for the Festive Forest Challenge, organised and subsidised by Positive Steps.

The Festive Forest Challenge Run at West Stow Country Park. Picture : RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

About 320 starters raised a combined £6,000 in entry fees required to sign up for the event, with many raising extra sponsorship to help people with life limiting illnesses and their loved ones.

The Festive Forest Challenge Run at West Stow Country Park. Picture : RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

This year alone, Positive Steps, which was set up by Kevin Marshall in 2011, has raised £15,200 for the hospice by organising the forest run and May’s annual Bury to Clare Challenge.

The Festive Forest Challenge Run at West Stow Country Park. Picture : RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

The 10km race was won by Tony Bacon, of Haverhill Running Club, in 37:36, while Neil Herbert crossed the line first in the half marathon with a time of 1:33:19, and Little Baddow Ridge Runners’ Richard Smith took victory over the 20m course in 02:35:52.

The Festive Forest Challenge Run at West Stow Country Park. Picture : RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

St Nicholas Hospice Care events fundraiser Charlie De-Moore said: “It certainly felt festive, with people wearing tinsel dresses and Christmas jumpers, putting us all in the Christmas mood.

The Festive Forest Challenge Run at West Stow Country Park. Picture : RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

“Thanks to Kevin and his team, and the lovely volunteer marshalls for helping to make it such a brilliant event.

The Festive Forest Challenge Run at West Stow Country Park. Picture : RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

“The donations will help people in the final chapter of their lives across west Suffolk and Thetford.

The Festive Forest Challenge Run at West Stow Country Park. Picture : RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

“We look after patients on our ward at Hardwick Lane (Bury St Edmunds) and in their own homes.

The Festive Forest Challenge Run at West Stow Country Park. Picture : RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

“At any one time, we’re looking after up to 350 patients and their families.”

The Festive Forest Challenge Run at West Stow Country Park. Picture : RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

It costs at least £11,000 a day to run St Nicholas Hospice Care services. Visit stnicholashospice.org.uk to learn more.

The Festive Forest Challenge Run at West Stow Country Park. Picture : RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

The Festive Forest Challenge Run at West Stow Country Park. Picture : RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

The Festive Forest Challenge Run at West Stow Country Park. Picture : RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

The Festive Forest Challenge Run at West Stow Country Park. Picture : RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)