Happy first birthday to town’s parkrun
A
special celebration was held to mark the first anniversary of the North Walsham
parkrun.
The popular event turned one on February 4 and held its 50th run –
with 109 entrants of all ages running, jogging and walking the course dressed
in milestone red.
The 5k event, which is free to enter, starts at 9am every Saturday from the North Walsham High School field.
Victoria Lawrence, of North Walsham parkrun, said: “In the last year 1,590 runners have taken part, with 146 volunteers – it has truly become an invaluable community hub for many in the town. A place to catch up on a Saturday morning and feel part of.”
Nathan McCann was the first finisher on the anniversary run and there was also a special day for Run Director Richard Stratton, achieving his 100th volunteer milestone. In addition, Hattie Swain was congratulated for finishing her 25th parkrun.
Victoria added: “In the last year we have had visitors from all over the country and even from abroad. It’s always great to meet new people and hear about the various parkrun challenges they are completing. We have had had wedding parties, even some runners dressed as centurions. We were also joined by local MP Duncan Baker MP with his daughter Ellie taking part in her very first parkrun.”
The
event was made possible by 25 volunteers and volunteer coordinator Annette
Stratton said: “Parkrun is a place where you can feel proud to be part the movement
that strives to help people become fitter and healthier.
Many of the volunteers have never run themselves and have found their mental
health has improved significantly through volunteering.
“We need around 25 volunteers each week to keep parkrun going with roles such as marshalling, timekeeping, tokens, barcode scanning & all training is given.”
Parkrun welcomes people who want to run, jog, walk, volunteer or watch.
Entrants should register online with parkrun (parkrun.org.uk) and bring their barcode to the event.
If you would like to volunteer, please get in touch via email northwalsham@parkrun.com