Portrush parkrun celebrates anniversary

Parkrun is a concept that took off almost nine years ago in England, and now takes place on a weekly basis in over 200 locations across the UK, in eight countries around the world and over 650,000 people registered.

The Portrush run is the first ever beach parkrun.

The course starts at the Watersports Centre at the East Strand and follows the beach around the scenic coastline out to the White Rocks and back.

The idea behind the run is to encourage everyone to come together and get active.

Male, female, young or old - runners or walkers - the journey can be whatever you want it to be, according to organisers.

In the past year, participants have collectively ran a mammoth 15,940km, and in that time over 900 different runners have taken part in the Portrush run.

Andy Deal, one of the organisers of the event told The Times: “ The parkrun is not a race against other runners, but a 5k timed run and it can really be whatever you want it to be, whether that’s for fun or as part of a training plan.

“We cater for all ages and abilities, it is not a race, it is a run.

“You against the clock, the only thing you are competing with is the tiny voice in your head telling you to stop.”

Andy went on: “It’s an opportunity for everyone in the community to come together on a regular basis to enjoy the beautiful scenery and get physically active into the bargain.

“We want to encourage people to jog or run together irrespective of their ability – this event is truly open to all and best of all it really is free.”

As part of Saturday’s celebrations awards were handed out to particpants who have gained the most points in the past year, the fastest man and women were also be revealed.

An award was given to the fastest person in each age grading and park runner of the year was also revealed.

Why not set yourself the challenge?

For more information log on to www.parkrun.org.uk/register and register for this Saturday’s parkrun.