Weekly running event takes off
A running event staged each Saturday in Eaton Park is already attracting nearly 200 entrants. Parkrun, set up in August, is a timed 5km run. It’s proving popular with runners, walkers,… even Mums with buggies.
Eaton Park’s Parkrun is one of around 40 held across the country. It’s free to enter, but you need to register in advance via the Norwich Parkrun website to get a barcode to take part. Each person’s time is recorded and uploaded to the Parkrun webpage so personal progress can be monitored.
Last week the event attracted 199 people, who ran or walked the route while almost 900 people have registered so far.
Each week the event starts at 9am from the bandstand. The fastest time recorded so far is around 16 minutes, while some take around 45 minutes to complete the route. Nick Clarke, one of the race directors said: “We welcome a range of people from runners to Mums with pushchairs. Some people come along and run with their dogs.”
Over 50 people have signed up to be volunteers to help the event run smoothly and Active Norfolk, who set up the scheme along with City of Norwich Athletics Club and key volunteers, have now handed control over to the community.
Similar events are planned for north Norfolk and Thetford by the new year.
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