- Jul 20, 2024
- 2 min read
Our favourite way to start the weekend!
Parkrun is a weekly, free 5km run organised and led by volunteers at many parks/outdoor areas around the world.
It first started at Bushy Park, Teddington in 2004 with a group of 13 friends. Since then it has grown into a global phenomenon and in our opinion it is one of the greatest volunteer led initiatives out there.
We are very lucky to have a few Parkruns to choose from on our doorstep!Â
Southport Parkrun is based at Hesketh Park, a beautiful setting which takes you around the lake and through the trees. Afterwards you can wind down with a coffee and bit to eat Hesketh Park Cafe.
Ormskirk Parkrun starts at the running track in Edge Hill University and sprawls out across the fields to give it a cross-country feel. The leisure centre and cafe are open for a drink afterward too.
Kew Woods Parkrun is situated behind Dobbies in Birkdale and as the name suggests, the course takes you through the woodland pathways. You’ll sometimes catch an artisan market at Dobbies afterwards, a perfect way to cool down!
If you’re happy to travel a bit further, Crosby Parkrun is a unique course with it starting on the beach! This is a local favourite, especially on a crisp, sunny morning!
Each of these runs take place every Saturday morning, starting at 9am. To take part, you simply need to register online so that you receive a bar code. When you finish the race, a volunteer will scan your code and tag so that you can track your progress each week on their results page!
In some very exciting news, Southport Parkrun will be welcoming Junior Parkrun for the first time ever from next week! This is a shorter, 2km course specifically for children. This will be on Sunday’s at 9am. Ormskirk also has a Junior Parkrun at Coronation Park! These are fantastic for the local community, encouraging children to exercise, socialise and enjoy themselves!
As these events are all completely volunteer led, they are dependent on help from the local community. So even if you’re not a runner but you’d like to clap and cheer the runners along, please get in touch with your local parkrun to register your interest!
For us, there is no better way to start your weekend than to run at Parkrun. It is a friendly community where you can meet new people, whilst keeping fit and spending time outdoors in your local community. Make sure to check out your local Parkrun whether you want to run or volunteer, you won’t regret it!
Hesketh Park Edge Hill University Kew Woods | Every Saturday: 9am (Junior Parkrun is Sunday at 9am) |