Burbage now has a Parkrun – a timed 5K walk, jog or run which has been several years in the making.
The event, which is the first of its kind in the borough is being held every Saturday at Hastings High School.
Parkrun is a worldwide free, weekly event, offering a welcoming and inclusive experience where there is no time limit, and no one finishes last.
Everyone is welcome to come along, whether you walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. All events are run by teams of dedicated volunteers from the local community.
Each week has a ‘first timers’ briefing at 8:45am for those doing their first event or doing this Parkrun for the first time, a group briefing follows at 8:55am and then everyone starts at 9am. Children are welcome, but those under eleven must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Steve Shipman, Co-Headteacher, Hastings High School, said that the event, had been several years in the making, and would not have been possible without the support of Parkrun and and Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council.
“We are delighted to welcome Parkrun onto our site every Saturday morning, it is a chance for the whole local area to take part in a community activity either running, walking, volunteering, or spectating”, he said.
“It has been great over the first five weeks to see so many people taking part and even more amazing to talk and chat with people over a tea or coffee from the ‘Friends of Hastings’ charity refreshment van at the end of the event.”
Karen Mason, Sports Development Manager at Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council said: “As a Sport and Physical Activity team we are delighted to have played our part in securing the first Parkrun in the borough. It is a fantastic achievement by the school and core group of volunteers in making this happen. A very welcome addition to the community”
Councillor Keith Nichols, Executive Lead for Culture and Leisure at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, said: “This is fantastic news. The health and wellbeing of our residents is vital. Our ambition is to help and encourage people to start some form of physical activity that can be integrated into as many areas of life as possible.
“Therefore, this new free weekly event, which is open to everyone, will help to play a part in that ambition. We look forward to seeing the numbers of people taking part increase so please help spread the word.”
Other weekly Parkrun events in Leicestershire, include those at Watermead Park, Birstall, Victoria Park, Leicester and Braunstone and Long Eaton.
To find out more, visit: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/events/events
