Evesham's first parkrun branded a great success

A total of 239 people took part in the parkrun, which will take place in the town every Saturday.

The course took runners along the riverside between Hampton Ferry and Evesham Rowing Club.

It proved to be a fast run and altogether 239 runners finished the 5km course, with the first back being Daren Hale in 17 minutes and 15 seconds. The first woman over the finish line was Emily Seward in 20 minutes and 48 seconds.

The event, which is part of a country-wide National Lottery and Sport England initiative, was funded through the Wychavon District Council, Get Wychavon Active, programme.

It has been organised by event director Colin Tether, who thanked Wychavon District Council parks officer Lynn Stevens and Robbie Raphael from Hampton Ferry for their cooperation in supporting parkrun, as well as Richard Ralphs, parkrun ambassador from Worcester, for his invaluable help and guidance.

At the start of the run, the tape was cut by Wychavon chairman councillor Lynne Duffy and Evesham mayor, Cllr Charlie Homer.

Speaking after the event Mr Tether said: "I was actually amazed by the numbers who turned up. It was great to see so many with roughly equal numbers of men and women.

"We had lots of juniors, some dogs and a lady pushing a pram. There were 15 boys and girls under 11, also 15 boys and girls from 11 to up to 15. The marshals were great and I think we managed to record all the times.

"The parkrun events take place all over the place, the one in Worcester gets 600 people sometimes.

"Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves so we are now looking forward to next Saturday."

The parkrun is based at Hampton Ferry, Boat Lane, Evesham and is on every Saturday at 9am.

Anyone new to parkrun should register with parkrun at parkrun.org.uk, so they can get a bar code and their time will be recorded.

Volunteer Marshals are always welcomed and anyone who would like to help should email eveshamoffice@parkrun.