Spooky and sporty fun-runners have raised a brilliant £42,000.

Over 1,600 entrants enjoyed our sold-out evening 5k events hosted at Penrhyn Castle, Conwy RSPB, Chirk Castle, and Telford Town Park.

The family friendly evenings are a fancy-dress walk, run or dance along established Park Run routes as darkness descends and entrants light up the night with glow sticks, disco lights and pumping music.

Children really got into the spirit of things with their fantastic costumes

Blown away

With a loose Halloween and neon theme, all the events inspired some really creative costumes including pumpkins, zombies, super heroes and witches galore.

Speaking on behalf of all the events, fundraising team leader, Andy Everley said: “Wow, what a sensational year for our Dark Runs.

“We are blown away with the level of support we enjoyed from our runners, sponsors, volunteers and kind businesses who help make them happen.

“The atmosphere at all the evenings was electric and everybody got into the spirit of things.

“We’d like to thank the families who attended to start each event for their bravery in sharing a few words as to how our hospices touch their lives and remind our fundraising runners why we are here – to help life threatened children and their families live their best lives.”

The Haggas family from Rhos-on-Sea had a wonderful time

We'll be back

At each event competitors enjoyed a group warm-up session hosted by a local fitness professional ahead of the countdown to the start.

There was commentary at the start and finish line and each runner enjoyed a bespoke medal and goody bag of treats at the finish line.

At the RSPB Conwy event, keen runner Aaron Haggas was there with his family after completing the Marathon Eryri / Snowdonia Marathon earlier that day.

He said at the finish line: “We’ve all had great fun, the kids have absolutely loved it and we’ll be back again next year.”

This spooky pair looked fantastic as darkness fell

Keep your eyes peeled for details of next year’s events and be sure to book early when tickets are released.

Chirk Picture Gallery

Penrhyn Picture Gallery

Telford Picture Gallery

Conwy Picture Gallery

Generous sponsors

We would like to thank all our sponsors for their kind support in making the events happen: Capalona, Supertemps, Halen Môn, Llandudno Lions, Conwy County Borough Council, Lanyon Bowdler, Kronospan, Riverside Cabins, Glyn Wylfa, Chirk Development Trust, , Chirk Town Council, Bowen, GHP Legal, Levercliff, Roché, J Jervis Accounting Services, Schneider Electric, QTM, Northwood, Severn Partnership, Epson, Reclaim Tax UK, Cartwrights Waste Disposal Services and Simmonds.