Parkrun celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend and continues to be a training ground for everyone from complete novices to elite athletes.
Manchester’s coaches, runners and volunteers all emphasised how important the event is in the city’s fitness ecosystem.
The first Manchester Parkrun was held in Bramhall Park in April 2008, four years after it began in London in 2004.
Greater Manchester now boasts 16 parkrun events, with thousands of people of all ages running, jogging and walking the 5km route every Saturday morning.
It has also developed a reputation as a training ground for some of Britain’s best athletes.
Paris 1500m bronze medallist Georgia Bell has used parkrun throughout her career as part of her training.
Bell, who is coached by Trevor Painter – who also helped Keeley Hodgkinson’s gold medal win this year, said: “For me and my story, Parkrun has featured in so many periods.
“It’s been there when I’ve been flying and when I’ve had moments that triggered me to say ‘I want to get back into elite running’ because I’ve found form and fitness.”
Dame Kelly Holmes who won gold at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002, is also a big fan of the weekly run.
She said: “Even though I’m a double Olympic champion – It was Parkrun that helped me fall back in love with running again.”
Salford born running coach Pauline Ash has helped athletes reach Commonwealth Games and World Junior events alongside her husband Tim.
Parkrun has helped the development of many of their athletes.
She said: “It’s a great sounding block, and it’s a great way to start an athletic career. Us and other coaches use it as part of our Saturday training session.
“You can tempo it, you can race it, many courses allow for hill training.”
Sale Harriers head secretary Frank Cordingley views Parkrun as a key part of their club.
He said: “Our club has embraced parkrun with a passion.
“We have a parkrun league which we run every year and many of us have moved over to parkrun rather than attend so many traditional road races.”
What makes Parkrun great is the volunteers who give up their Saturday morning’s week in week out.
Vicky Thompson, 39, helps at the Sale Parkrun.
She said: “It’s given me community I never would have had otherwise
“They’ve done an amazing job at creating something which supports that.”
North-West regional event ambassador Sam Blacow said: “You’re surrounded by people from all walks of life.
“This one movement that started 20 years ago has made so many different connections across the world.”
Neil McClure, 59, volunteers at the Chadderton Hall parkrun, which is ranked in the 10 hardest park runs in the UK.
He said: “It’s just nice to see everybody turn up.
“You see them week after each pushing themselves to get that little bit fitter.”
Featured Image: Neil McClure
