Parkrunners brave the elements as they storm way to trio of milestones

Arbroath parkrunners took the elements in their stride to mark the latest milestones for the popular event.

The West Links parkrun joined the global craze in January this year.

Since then more than 1,300 folk have racked up 3,500 finishes on the 5km seafront route for the regular Saturday morning event.

And the growing popularity has been helped by a band of more than 150 volunteers.

Despite the battering Angus took, the parkrunners were on the start line and ready to register three new firsts on Saturday.

Organisers used the parkrun to promote International Men’s Day.

Event director Arthur Grant said: “In the UK, men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide.

“Parkrun has been shown to be very beneficial to mental health.”

So figures from local mental health charity Reach Across were there to walk, jog or run the 5k route.

And they highlighted the support available from the charity, set up by local mum Sandra Ramsay following the loss of her son, Ross, in 2013.

The parkrun also welcomed its first Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme participants.

Arthur added: “Children and young people have made a massive contribution to the development of West Links parkrun since its launch in January, and even before.

“Four Arbroath High School pupils are now using parkrun as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.

“Two are doing the physical activity section with us and two are doing the volunteering section,” he explained.

The organisers hope they might encourage other local Dofe coordinators to come on board.

The first volunteer pacers also stepped up to help other parkrunners improve their times by walking or running at a predetermined pace.

Pacer bibs have been funded by Arbroath Footers running club.

“It’s the first pacer event and those will take place monthly, although the parkrun takes place every Saturday all year round,” said Arthur.

Photographer Paul Reid captured all the action at the Arbroath event.

AND THEY’RE OFF: Participants at Arbroath’s West Links parkrun set a brisk pace as they set off at the start of the popular Saturday morning event.

The inclement weather conditions didn’t deter runners.