Record-breaking turnout at Salisbury's parkrun

More than 600 people completed the event on Saturday, the biggest ever number of participants since it began in 2015.

The start of the New Year always inspires many of us to put on our trainers and this January has seen a real boom!

Yesterday (12th January) saw scores of first timers trying out the friendly 5k event held in Churchill Gardens.

A staggering 610 people crossed the line, beating the previous best turnout of 592 in April 2017.

Organisers have been keen to cater for lots of newbies by offering a number of volunteers people can follow to complete the course, for example a power-walker and a 1 minute jog then a 1 minute run.

Jo Maslen is a newcomer and told Spire FM how much she enjoyed it:

"I’ve been meaning to start park running for months - as part of getting fit for the Stars Appeal Trek this spring. But what finally did it was the offer of a lift so I knew I wouldn’t arrive alone. I needn’t have worried - if you tag along with all the Lycra heading for Churchill Gardens you soon get chatting. There are loads of familiar faces and everyone is so friendly and encouraging. They make it really easy for first timers like me with pacers - I did 1min jog 1 min walk the first week and was amazed how soon I got to the finish line. I’ve been twice now and knocked 17 secs off my time!"

WANT A CHALLENGE? STICK WITH A PACER!

As ever there's a steady team of volunteers, all with a smile on their face, to encourage all the runners and walkers.

You can find out more about getting involved in Salisbury parkrun as a participant or volunteer via their website.

Check out all the pictures taken by Andy Robbins, one of the regular photographers, at the latest event here:

JUNIOR PARKRUN:

Meanwhile Salisbury has just started its very first junior version of parkrun.

This takes place on a Sunday morning, also in Churchill Gardens, and is specifically for 4 to 14 year olds.

The second event held today (13th January) saw a bumper 231 children complete the 2k course.

This event has its own website where you can register, find out more details or get involved in volunteering.

You can also join the Facebook page.