A free weekly 5K run in a Glasgow South Side park could be expanded to other areas of the city.
The organisers of ParkRun in Pollok Park are exploring the possibility of staging the weekly 3-mile event in other locations such as Tollcross Park, in the East End.
The timed run is held every Saturday at 9am in all weathers and is open to men, women and children of all ages and abilities.
An average of 190 runners lace up their trainers each week – an even split of men and women – and almost 4000 have taken part since it was launched in December 2008.
The organisers enjoyed a record turn-out of 368 in the weeks preceding this year’s Glasgow Women’s 10K.
Although ParkRun is not a race it is timed, allowing participants training for official events to monitor their progress.
A prize is also given out every four weeks, sponsored by clothing firm Sweatshop, to a Runner Of The Month’, who may have overcome adversity or shown the most improvement.
However, the event relies on volunteers from a list of about 300 people to operate. It does not get official funding and relies on sponsorship from Nike, Lucozade and Sweatshop.
The organisers are keen to expand in other areas of the city if enough volunteers can commit to the project and are also hoping to launch an event in Falkirk if additional money can be secured.
Richard Leyton, 37, from Shawlands, who launched the run, said: “We are looking into other options across the city.
“There are some parks that are more suitable, such as Tollcross.
“However, it entirely depends on volunteers coming forward and the general enthusiasm for it in communities.
“It is not a Government, council or health body initiative, so we do not receive any funding from these sorts of organisations.
“It is a genuine grassroots event by running enthusiasts for running enthusiasts, no matter where they are, whether just starting or a club runner.
“Some runners come to try their hand at their first 5K and discover their pace, but others may use this as part of their training regime.
“There is also the social aspect because after every run we go for coffee in the Burrell Collection.
“There is a great atmosphere every Saturday and whole families can take part together.”
ParkRun was launched in Bushy Park in Teddington, London, and only 13 people turned up for the first event. Now, hundreds of runs are held all over the UK, including Strathclyde Park, Lanarkshire.
The female record holder for the Pollok run is Lindsay MacNeil, who completed the course in 17 mins 46secs.
Ross Toole is the male record holder with 15 mins 01sec.
A total of 4,748 people have recorded personal bests.
- To register or volunteer see the website: www.parkrun.org.uk/glasgow
There is also a Facebook page at: glasgowparkrun
To nominate a Pollok Park participant for Runner Of The Month, send an e-mail to: glasgowoffice@parkrun.com
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