Local park perfect place to get fit

PARKRUNS are weekly, mass participation five-kilometre runs, taking place in parks across the country, encouraging community activity, healthy lifestyle and tackling inactivity.

I was delighted to be asked to relaunch the Cheadle Hulme Parkrun in Bruntwood Park recently following its move from Grove Park Sports Club in July last year.

The Parkrun team has worked hard to find a new route at Bruntwood Park and, working together with Stockport Council’s Greenspace team, Bruntwood Park service users, The Vinery Café and Parkrun HQ, the Cheadle Hulme group has at last been able to get ‘up and running’ again!

Parkrun is about getting involved and it was brilliant to see so many people taking part, with over 150 runners and 22 volunteers keeping the run on track.

As well as a bracing morning run, there is a real sense of camaraderie amongst the runners, with everyone helping out to make Parkrun a success.

As well as providing a venue for a bracing morning run, surveys show that people with access to parks are more satisfied with their physical and mental health and residents rightly value the green spaces in their communities.

As part of my work in Parliament, I serve on the Communities and Local Government Select Committee. During our recent report on the future of our parks, we heard that green gyms, measured miles and even improving footpaths can increase the number of people getting up and being active.

So whether you are taking a stroll or the first steps on your way to the next Olympics, your local park is the perfect venue.