170 runners take part in Oswestry's first park run
A NEW park run proved popular with runners at its first official event.
A total of 168 people lined up at the event in Henley Woods in eastern Oswestry, on the outskirts of town.
Organisers, who are keen runners from the area, say they ran, walked and jogged the course on Saturday.
It comes after a trial run was held on a marked-out five kilometre course earlier this month with more than 50 people lining up to take part as well as others stepping in to be marshals.
Ellen Harrison, one of those behind the project, said: “People enjoyed it.
“The comments and feedback have been amazing and positive.
Amazing
“There were people of all ages taking part. We had children and people up to the age of 70.
“The run is two laps of a course that includes footpaths and grassy areas.
“I’m glad it went well. We are hoping that it’s going to take place every Saturday.
“We need about 20 volunteers each week to help run it.”
She said there had been a lot of hard work over the past 18 months to launch the run.
Supporters raised £3,000 to ensure the event, part of Park Run UK, could join the UK wide organisation.
Sponsors have included Oswestry Olympians; Oswestry Sports Forum; Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing; Shropshire Rural Communities Charity – Communities Fund; Plas Ffynnon Medical Centre; Cambrian Medical Centre; Caxton Surgery; Three Parishes Big Local – Big Grants Scheme. Ellen said it was great to finally have a local event as the next nearest park runs are in either Shrewsbury or at Erddig near Wrexham.
She added: “A big thank you to all our sponsors and our volunteers.”
The park run at Oswestry will take place every Saturday at 9am.
Henley Woods has been transformed into a community open space over the past six years and now has footpaths, playgrounds and wildlife areas. The park run is free to enter and a Facebook page, containing more information on upcoming events, will be available in the near future, organisers confirmed today.
Other park run events in Shropshire are held at Telford Town Park and The Quarry in Shrewsbury. They attract several hundred runners each Saturday morning.
