Today marks the first day of winter. On Saturday, runners and walkers, and a few furry friends, celebrated the winter solstice by making the climb up Grey Mountain.

The run, or walk, began at the upper parking lot. The athletes travelled 12 kilometres to the towers and back. It was a grey, chilly day and all the participants had to contend with snowy trails.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was not the usual mass start.

Instead, the athletes left at their leisure after 11:00 a.m.

People were encouraged to wear their most festive gear and they complied. Santa hats and elf ears were seen making the pilgrimage up the mountain. The athletes were also asked to bring a donation to the Whitehorse Food Bank.