Melton parkrun celebrates first birthday

Anniversary parkrun in Melton EMN-160113-113604002

A total of 179 registered parkrunners turned out to help the weekly event celebrate its first anniversary by running the 5km course in various styles of fancy dress before consuming vast quantities of birthday cake.

Runners were advised to come dressed in party attire for the birthday celebrations and they came armed with glow sticks, leg warmers, sunglasses and wigs.

Event director Shane Sharkey did his bit by completing the run in a three-piece suit.

Runners celebrate parkrun's first anniversary in Melton with a birthday cake made by Barbara Hall (front) EMN-160113-113553002

A CD player blasted out party tunes at the top of the hill where regular volunteer Mim Bull cheered the runners onwards.

The event takes place at Melton Country Park every Saturday at 9am and is a two-lap timed-run over an officially measured course.

It is open to people of all ages – registered runners range from four to 84 – and abilities, from walkers to elite runners.

Since the event started last January, 1,483 runners have completed 5,730 5km runs and recorded a fantastic 1,559 personal best times.

Runners get into the spirit of things at the first anniverary Melton parkrun EMN-160113-113617002

A total of 178 different volunteers have supported the event to ensure it take places every week.

It is still attracting new runners with 29 first-timers turning out on Saturday.

The parkrun initiative began in Bushy Park, in Middlesex, in 2004 and has grown to more than 700 events around the world with many runners trying to complete as many different events as possible.

* To join future parkruns, complete a one-off free registration at www.parkrun.org.uk/register and take the printed barcode along.

Those registered can turn up to any parkrun in the world, get an official finish time and see their improvement on their own individual page on the parkrun website.