PARKRUN LAUNCHES IN FLEETWOOD!

A new parkrun has got off to a flying start as over 150 people turned up to take part in the first Fleetwood parkrun earlier this month. This new event has been organised by Wyre Council in conjunction with parkrun and Healthier Fleetwood who are now encouraging people of all ages and fitness levels to come along and take part.

Setting off on the promenade outside Fleetwood YMCA at 9am every Saturday, Fleetwood’s parkrun is part of a worldwide series of 5k events. It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing or how fast you go. What matters is taking part and you can walk, jog run or even become an event volunteer. Sue Ashton, Event Director at Parkrun comments, “We encourage people of every ability to take part; from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience; we welcome you all.”

The format of parkrun is simple: register once, print your barcode, then turn up and take part. The Fleetwood route takes you past Rossall Point Tower and then back again, giving participants the chance to take in the breath taking views this stretch of coastline has to offer.

For more details of the run and the route visit www.parkrun.org.uk/fleetwoodpromenade

Councillor Lynne Bowen, Leisure, Health and Community Engagement Portfolio Holder at Wyre Council comments, “We are so pleased to bring parkrun to Fleetwood. This weekly event is all about inclusiveness and wellbeing. We want people to feel part of a community and know that anyone is welcome to come along, enjoy the views of our beautiful coastline and boost their fitness. Taking place every Saturday morning, it’s a great way to start your weekend.

“We are really grateful to everyone who has helped to get this event off the ground including the parkrun team, Healthier Fleetwood and all the volunteers. The volunteers are local people with a passion to make a difference in their local community and have given up their time to learn a variety of roles in addition to all the organising and planning that goes into establishing a parkrun.”

Dr Mark Spencer of Mount View Practice played a key role in setting up the Healthier Fleetwood project and says: “The health benefits of exercise are well known. Parkrun isn’t a race against others, it’s purely for anyone who wants to give themselves a challenge and to get a bit fitter. More than that though it’s an opportunity for the community to come together, not just to take part but also to volunteer to be a steward or to cheer people on as a spectator. I’ve never taken part in a parkrun. Fleetwood will be my first one and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Those who have never run before needn’t be put off, as walking is an option. However for those wanting to give it a try, Fylde Coast YMCA are running free couch to 5k sessions on Wednesdays at 6.30pm from Cleveleys promenade (near Vue Cinema) and Thursdays at 7pm from YMCA Fleetwood.

To take part you need to register with Parkrun before an event as registration is not available at the run. Simply go to www.parkrun.org.uk/register then just turn up at your event. Once registered you can take part in any parkrun as often as you want and you will never need to register again. Under 11s need to be accompanied by an adult.

All parkrun events are organised by a group of dedicated, local volunteers and there is still a variety of roles available for people to get involved in. You can find out more at www.parkrun.org.uk/fleetwoodpromenade/volunteer