Norwich parkrun marked its 600th event in Eaton Park with more than 600 people taking part.
The event has been taking place in Eaton Park every Saturday morning, apart from the Covid lockdown periods, since 2010.
It’s not just aimed at faster runners. Last year parkrun UK launched the ‘parkwalk’ initiative to encourage people to come along and walk the 5k course.
They are encouraged by volunteers and spectators, and they had a very special guest for their landmark event. James Wright, the Lord Mayor of Norwich and Eaton city councillor, had the honour of starting the run.
Event directors Steve Cook and Peter Scott said parkrun was beneficial to people both physically and mentally.
They said: “A number of people find that running or volunteering really helps with mental health and anxiety issues, and other people use parkrun to help with their physical health.”
Peter added: “When you stand at the finish line you can see the triumph on everyone’s face whether they’ve finished in 15 minutes or an hour and 15. It’s a run, not a race and the only person you’re competing against is yourself.”
Norwich parkrun will be joining other parkrun events across the UK to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS on July 8.
They hope to field a team of volunteers made up entirely of current and retired NHS employees, helped in no small way by a large contingent of volunteers from their partner GP practice at Bacon Road.
Norwich parkrun takes place at 9am every Saturday morning. For further information, visit www.parkrun.org.uk/norwich/