Runners set off to pound the trails of the Redwoods at We Run the Forest. Photo/Ben Fraser
About 1200 people took to the trails in the Redwoods this weekend to beat the winter blues and enjoy getting active together.
The inaugural running festival We Run The Forest was held yesterday .
The run/walk distances involved were 5.5km, 11km and 21km.
The event also featured live DJs, and people were encouraged to wear their brightest clothing and costumes.
The idea of the running festival was to bring people into the Redwoods and try to motivate people to get out in winter.
Event manager Tim Farmer said We Run The Forest went well.
"There was lots of positive feedback and happy faces. It was awesome. Everyone loved the Redwoods."
He said the numbers would have been pretty close to the anticipated 1200 participants who entered.
The race had sold out within four weeks of opening, and the event's second release of entries had also sold out.
Farmer said he had enjoyed seeing people at the finish line and achieving what it was they had set out to do, whether that was chasing a time or just having fun.
"People were really happy, had their mates waiting for them at the finish line, were high-fiving and taking selfies."
He said they would definitely be looking to hold We Run The Forest at some stage during winter next year.
Participant Stacey Coleman said she took part in the 11km event and had liked the idea of the race being in the Redwoods.
"It seemed like a nice race to do. It's my first race back after having my second child."
She said it had been great, though was a little tougher than expected because it was a bit hillier than she thought it would be.
"But I liked it. It was a blissful race being in the woods."
Coleman said the Redwoods was the best place to run in because there were no distractions and it was peaceful.
She said it was a well organised event and she would "totally" do the race again.
She also recommended it for other people to do.
As the crowd chanted, Seymour walked back into the Beehive with his MPs.