Runners out in force as parkrun arrives in Lancaster

Parkrun, which already takes place in more than 370 venues throughout the UK and worldwide, is a timed 5k run which is free for anyone to go along and take part in.

The event has taken 18 months to come to fruition with the help of the Galbraith Trust, the Lancaster Community Fund, Councillors Gina Dowding, Chris Henig, Susie Charles and Richard Newman-Thompson via Lancashire County Council’s local member grants, The Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund and Lancaster District CVS.

The organisers paid tribute to the assistance of Stuart Wallace, a parkrun ambassador from Barrow who was their mentor during the planning stages.

Event Director Ronald Hummelink said: “I was ‘delighted by the response from everybody.

“There were big smiles from both volunteers and runners, despite the rain, puddles and mud.”

Ronald stressed that the event can only take place with the help of 15 to 20 key volunteers.

Parkrun will now take place every Saturday morning at 9am in Williamson Park near the Pavillion Café as the worldwide craze threatens to grip the city.

Interested runners can register for free at www.parkrun.org.uk/register/