Parkrun: Swindon parks celebrate 20 years of hosting event

In October 2004, one computer programmer got together with some of his friends to organise a five kilometre run in Bushy Park, London.

The run was a huge success, and so founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt did the same run again the following Saturday, and the one after that.

Since October 2, 2004, 'Parkrun' has transformed from a small running club into a global phenomenon, with 2,500 parkruns taking place every Saturday around the world in towns including Swindon.

Runners of all ages and abilities come together to compete against each other in the free 5k, try to beat their previous best times, or just make new friends.

Established in 23 countries, there are now over 10 million registered 'parkrunners' across the planet, hundreds of whom take to Swindon's Lydiard Park and Sevenfields Parkrun events each week.

This week, Lydiard Parkrun is encouraging all of its Swindon runners to 'go green' in celebration of the landmark.

Swindon runners can choose from two Parkruns - Lydiard Park or Sevenfields (Image: Newsquest) "We've asked people to come in something green if they can because that’s the theme for the 20th anniversary," said Emma Sperring, event director at Lydiard Parkrun.

“Locally, Parkrun is so important to Swindon residents and we get around 400 people coming along every Saturday in all weathers.

"People come not only for the exercise but also because of the mental health benefits and lots of our runners meet and have a cup of tea together afterwards.

“You don't even have to run - you can jog, walk, skip it if you really want. So it isn't necessarily about the exercise, it’s also the social aspect."

Lydiard Parkrun was the first of its kind to launch in the Southwest 15 years ago, but is now one of two Parkruns in Swindon.

A spokesperson for Seven Fields Parkrun in Penhill added: "Our event has been running for five years, and in that time has become a force for good within the area promoting health and wellbeing and developing a true family feeling community spirit amongst our participants and volunteers."

One runner from Sevenfields Parkrun told the Advertiser the weekly event had "changed his life."

"I was scared of being the slowest when I first went last year, but it's just the most warm and welcoming community," he said.

"A volunteer always goes at the back so no one ever comes last, and I love feeling a part of something."

Parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9am at Lydiard Park and Sevenfields in Swindon, and children, dogs, pushchairs and spectators are all welcomed.