WARRINGTON has broken a sporting record – for having the best attended first parkrun event ever in the UK.
More than 400 residents braved the cold weather for the town’s first run, making it the largest first event the scheme has had.
“parkrun” is a not-for-profit organisation that takes more than 200 free timed runs to local parks all over the UK.
Hundreds of residents, of all ages and abilities, turned up to run and walk their way round the 5km course through Victoria Park. The borough council’s Active Warrington team supported the event which will now take place weekly.
Cllr Kate Hannon, the borough council’s lead member for leisure, community and culture, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that so many people came out and took part in this initiative. The run attracted a real mix of people, ranging from club runners from 55 different clubs from all over the UK, including runners from Hyde Park and even further afield to runners taking part with their dogs, their children and even some walking the course pushing younger children in prams.
“All the runners did brilliantly but the stars of the day were also the volunteers who have made this happen. They marshalled the event and managed the timing and recording the runner’s positions, made even harder with the sheer volume of people on the day and coped amazingly – they still had the energy left to cheer on support the runners!
“It really was a fantastic event which had a real sense of community and is a great opportunity to engage in physical activity on a regular basis.”
The free timed event is non-competitive but the fastest finisher did cross the line in just over 17 minutes hotly followed by Warrington’s Spectrum Striders’ Chris Millington in 18.03 minutes.
Members from Warrington local clubs – Lymm Runners, Warrington Road Runners, Spectrum Striders and Plodders, also turned out to show their support.
The runs will take place each Saturday at 9am at Victoria Park. Visit www.parkrun.com and register to claim a free barcode and take it along to take part- whether to run or walk the course.
For more information contact Lou Shannon from the councils’ Active Warrington team on [email protected] or 01925 248461
Record breaking launch for park event
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
