New venue joins list of county’s parkruns
EXPERTS tell us starting an exercise programme is the perfect way to chase away the winter blues.
And if you are fed up of being indoors, parkruns could be the option for you.
The events where runners or all abilities gather every Saturday morning to follow a 3.1-mile (5km) course have been springing up all over the country in the past 15 years.
Leicestershire now has seven parkrun events, after Watermead Country Park became the latest host.
More than 230 participants took on the network of flat lakeside paths during its inaugural run in the northern section of the park, which is managed by Leicestershire County Council.
Councillor Lee Breckon, the council’s cabinet member for resources, said: “Congratulations to parkrun, our country parks team as well as the many local groups, volunteers and businesses who have worked hard over the past two years to ensure a successful launch.
“The continuing commitment of everyone involved will help promote our green spaces to residents and deliver longer term public health benefits.
“We encourage runners and volunteers to enjoy all Watermead has to offer as a place to be active and connect with nature.”
Dave Snutch, event director, said the parkruns are for everyone.
“Participants decide what they want a parkrun to mean to them,” he said. “It might be a casual run, a more competitive challenge or simply a place to catch up with friends and clear the mind.
“We want people to have fun, stay fit, enjoy the surroundings and help to build a lasting parkrun community.
“The event needs volunteers every week to be safely held and we are also very keen to hear from anyone in the community who can help.”
The other events are held in Braunstone Park and Victoria Park, in Leicester, at Conkers, in Moira, and at Dishley, in Loughborough.
Market Harborough and Melton also host weekly events in Welland Park and Melton Country Park.
The Watermead Country Park parkrun is a “free, fun and friendly” and held every Saturday morning at 9am.
Anyone interested in volunteering should email:
OFFERING A FRIENDLY WAY TO GET FITTER