Albert parkrun have recently celebrated their 20,000th parkrun finisher. The free-to-enter event, at Albert Park in Middlesbrough, has taken place 863 times..
Parkrun is a worldwide event that is carried out in 1,395 different parks in the UK. For Teessiders, events can be found in locations such as Albert Park, Stewart Park, Flats Lane.
The weekly run has become a weekly routine for hundreds of people, meaning that seeing friendly faces can be something to look forward to. It also gives people the opportunity to enjoy the park without feeling unsafe.
Mark Jackson, 45, has been running parkrun for 14 years and said: “There is something amazing about 100s of people meeting with one purpose.”
Bryoni Bowes, 35, said: “I’m not fast but it doesn’t matter if you blast to the finish or take much longer, the support never stops. The runners lapping you cheering on, the volunteers, especially in horrible weather, being there clapping and supporting. It’s amazing to see a softer side to the area.”
Some runners agree that Parkrun helps them mentally and gives them the opportunity to clear their minds.
“Complete strangers will engage in conversation with you and after running here I always feel a great sense of wellbeing,” said Susy Allen, 64.
Parkrun have also initiated an event catered towards children which takes place on a Sunday morning. The Junior parkrun is already one of the largest health and wellbeing projects targeting children across the UK.
Vince Jones, 62, has been running parkrun for 16 years. He said: “Over the years I have made many friends at Parkrun, I also now attend Junior Parkrun with my grandchildren.”
For more information about the parkrun, visit: www.parkrun.org.uk/albert/
