Event tailored to suit runners with disabilities

VOLUNTEERS who organise Torbay’s weekly Parkrun have gone the extra mile to make the event accessible for deaf and visually impaired runners.

And they have added a walk for those who prefer to tackle the Velopark event that way.

The 100th Paignton Parkrun is coming up on Saturday , and runners and walkers will be celebrating the success of the event.

Jo Canham of the Torbay Velopark Parkrun said: “The parkrun ethos is that we are totally inclusive and anyone can come along and take part, so I was very interested to see what we could do to make our event welcoming and to break down barriers.

“My core team and I started to work together to implement some changes to ensure that everyone really is welcome.”

On Saturday the volunteers will have a visual ‘Start’ for the run using British Sign Language, and the pre-event briefings will be available visually.

Jo added: “We are now confidently supporting three visually impaired runners and walkers.

“We have also organised a walking event within the parkrun.

“I am proud to be the Event Director but there wouldn’t be a parkrun without our amazing volunteers.”