Clayton-le-Moors: Hyndburn Parkrun

Saturday mornings in Clayton le Moors will never be the same again, after the successful start of the new Hyndburn parkrun last October.

Parkrun is a free, weekly 5k event that takes place at 9.00am every Saturday morning and there are events all over the UK and the world. It’s free for anyone to register, you simply print off a barcode and bring it along with you.

This means you get a time for your 5k and can aim for a new personal best. That’s not to say you have to be fast, as it’s not a race and parkrun welcomes runners and walkers of all abilities. It’s also open to all ages. The only rule is that under 11s need to run with an adult. You can even run with a dog if it’s on a short lead.

In its first week, 314 people of all ages completed the course, which starts and finishes at Wilson’s playing fields and follows paths through the nearby woodland. It’s entirely volunteer-led, so you can be part of the event even if you don’t want to run or walk 5k, just email hyndburnhelpers@parkrun.com.

Participants gather afterwards for refreshments and chat by the clubhouse; it’s a really friendly and social occasion. Liz Newton, Event Director, said: “What a fabulous morning: it was great to see so many runners and volunteers bringing parkrun to Hyndburn. We are looking forward to many more runs and bringing the community together”.

Hyndburn Council provided the startup funding for the parkrun, recognising the array of potential benefits to health and wellbeing for the borough.

Cabinet member for Education, Leisure and Arts, Councillor Ken Moss, who volunteered as photographer for the first event, said: “Over 300 people turning out for our inaugural parkrun is a brilliant show of support and a fantastic way to get it off the ground in Hyndburn. I'd like to thank Liz and everyone else who helped to organise today's event. It's been great to see so many people enjoying our parkland and keeping fit!”

To register for free, visit www.parkrun.org.uk/register.

A Facebook page also exists which can be visited here.