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Stroud park runners celebrate 200 races

Jon Smith
BBC Radio Gloucestershire Breakfast Presenter
Stroud parkrunners celebrate 200 races

Runners in Stroud were celebrating on Saturday as the weekly parkrun marked its 200th event.

Adults, children and even dogs took part took part in Stratford Park's 5km (about three-mile) with some travelling from as far away as Birmingham and Swansea.

And walkers played a big part too, with more joining in the event than ever before.

Race director Marcia Thompson said: "We've had lots of new people. It's amazing."

Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire, Ms Thompson said the event was not about speed, but about getting outdoors and being part of a community.

"Fresh air, in a beautiful park, with lots of friendly people, what's not to like?" she said.

Runners Emma and Andrew Crowley with their labrador, Barley
Runners Emma and Andrew Crowley with their labrador, Barley

Emma and Andrew Crowley regularly take part in the weekly run with their labrador, Barley.

"She loves everybody, she loves the puddles, and she always gets a lot of fans," said Mrs Crowley.

Three friends Sheryl, Claire and Jackie stand and face the camera before taking part in the Stroud parkrun. They are wearing hoodies and smiling
First-timers Sheryl May (left) and Jackie Carlton (right) with regular parkrunning friend Claire Tring (centre)

Stroud broke its record for the number of walkers taking part at Saturday's event, after more were encouraged to take part.

Sheryl May and Jackie Carlton were encouraged to come along by their friend Claire Tring.

Ms Carlton said: "We decided to get up early, come and support her, and have fun.

"We're mostly walking, but who knows there might be a run in the middle if we find a downhill bit."

Four friends Stephen, Christopher, Paul and Simon line up for the camera ahead of the Stroud parkrun. Three of them are wearing bright pink tops
Stephen Chown, Christopher Jones, Paul Egan and Simon Hurford took part in Saturday's run

Parkrun tourism is an increasingly popular; when people travel far and wide to try out new courses.

Christopher Jones, Paul Egan and Simon Hurford travelled all the way from South Wales to take part in Stroud's event.

Christopher said: "It's my 101st location, the nearest one to our home in Swansea that we haven't yet taken on.

"We like a challenge, so we're cycling all the way home afterwards."

Parkrun has been a growing phenomenon since it began in 2004, with more than 10 million attendees worldwide according to its official website.

The events, which are free to enter, take place in public parks.