Parkrun is providing a boost to community

IT’S a weekly event aimed at getting people fit, but it’s also providing an important boost to a Valleys town.

Maesteg celebrated its 15th Parkrun in spooky style on the weekend and event director Emma Marshall has thanked locals for their support so far.

She said the runners who flock to the town are also spending time in local cafes and shops, creating a “lovely atmosphere”.

“The town is loving it,” she said.

“We have such a lovely welcome when we go. I didn’t expect the town to be so welcoming, but they have been brilliant.”

As a Run Wales champion, mum of two Emma, 37, was approached by a friend who said Maesteg wanted its own Parkrun.

The weekly 5k has already proved incredibly successful in Porthcawl, Cardiff and other towns and cities.

“Before I knew it, I was event director,” said Emma, mum to Finlay, four, and Freddie, 10.

“I was worried about whether we’d get the numbers because of Porthcawl, but it was actually the Porthcawl guys, Stuart Davidson and Steve Brace, that trained me up and they were really lovely.

“There’s no rivalry. They were brilliant.

“I think because their event is an out-and-back along the seafront and ours is four laps of the park, it’s different.

“We have people who go back and forth between the two.”

The Maesteg Welfare Park event now attracts up to 60 runners every Saturday morning and Emma said they’ve provided a boost to the town as they use the cafes and shops after the race.

“Tesco have had to put on extra staff in their cafe,” said Emma.

“They allow us to use their car park, so it’s worked out well for them. They have been really brilliant.

“Lots of us also go to the 21 Cafe on Talbot Street afterwards.

“There’s a real community feel to the event.”

Catherine Burman, manager of Tesco’s Maesteg superstore, said: “We are really happy to support the Parkrun because it’s great to see so many people from the community taking part and keeping fit and active.

“Some of our store colleagues have helped out as marshals and we have supported the event with donations of drinks and fruit.

“We are very happy to do so, and look forward to continuing to support the Maesteg Parkrun in the future.”