An inaugural 5k running event at Clarence Park in Bury was hailed a success as more than 250 runners, joggers and walkers took part. 

The free Park Run event was organised by Clarence Park Runners and a team of volunteers under the national "Parkrun" brand.

Following the launch on Saturday, September 23, the event will return every Saturday at 9am.

The run is designed for all abilities with participants encouraged to take part for their own enjoyment and at their own pace.

Event director Nick Whitley helped organise the weekly event after founding the Clarence Park Runners 18 months ago.

He said the response to the first Clarence Park Run exceeded expectations.

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He said: “It was amazing, we had 250 people turning up to run and walk as well as 30 volunteers.

“It went amazingly well, and we were really lucky with the weather, everyone loved it.”

“To get 250 runners was amazing we’d done no advertising, it was all just word of mouth."

Nick says the role of Park Run is to encourage people of any and all abilities to exercise and socialise as part of a community.

He said: “A big part of our approach is inclusivity- it’s about getting people who maybe haven’t been running before to get into it.

“It’s all about supporting each other to be the best version of ourselves.

“You can do a park run at any pace you want,” he added.

The course starts from the bandstand and involves two laps of the front section of the park on tarmac.

The route then crosses the lower field to complete two laps of the upper field before returning to the bandstand where toilets and refreshments will be available.

Bury Times: More than 250 people attended the inaugural Clarence Park Run More than 250 people attended the inaugural Clarence Park Run (Image: Bury Council)

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The Clarence Park Parkrun will be organised and delivered every week by volunteers. To help out and get involved email clarence@parkrun.com

Cllr Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at the council, also took part in the inaugural event, said: “Now that I’ve had time to recover, I want to thank the mayor, Clarence Park Runners and everyone behind Bury’s first ever Park Run at Clarence Park.

"The volunteers’ efforts in organising the event and motivating the runners was truly outstanding.

“This coming Saturday the event is open to all, so please do come along to take part at your own pace whether that’s a walk, a jog or a run. No matter what your goal, or where you are on your personal fitness journey, you’re guaranteed a supportive community.”

Those interested in joining Clarence Park Parkrun for the first time are encouraged to register for free online and to get a unique scannable barcode, which allows people to participate and receive a finish time.

More information, including a course description and route, can be found at www.parkrun.org.uk/clarence.