Published: Tuesday 13th December 2016 | 4.26pm
Cannock Chase parkrun started on 19 November and in its first week attracted over 550 people, making it the 7th largest parkrun in the Country.
Since the November launch there have been four runs. Runners meet every Saturday at 9am at Marquis Drive to complete a timed 5K run.
Every week over 35 volunteers from Chasewater Running Club, Chase Harriers, Rugeley Runners and Stafford Harriers give up their Saturday morning to help facilitate the parkrun.
Cannock Chase parkrun is funded by the Chase Community partnership in conjunction with four local running clubs.
Runners that take part can visit the parkrun’s dedicated website to get results of the races, view photographs and get information about the run.
Councillor Muriel Davis, Portfolio Leader for Health and Wellbeing at Cannock Chase Council said “What a fantastic accolade to be 7th in the Country after just four weeks.
I am delighted to see so many people taking part; men and women, young and old, people with children in pushchairs and even people with their dogs have been running whilst enjoying the beauty of Cannock Chase.
Everyone can take part knowing its safe, they have the guidance available from the running club experts and lots of encouragement from fellow runners. Best of all it free, so why not take part?”
Alan White, Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing at Staffordshire County Council said he was delighted to see so many people taking part in the Cannock Chase park run. Alan said: “One of our key priorities as a County Council is to help people lead healthier and happier lives and we are keen to see more people more active more often.
“Keeping fit and healthy and doing some form of exercise like running is not only good for the body but also good for the mind. So, not only is taking part in the park run good for your overall health and wellbeing, but you also get to see some of the wonderful scenery around Cannock Chase at the same time too. Having the run and so many people taking part is great. It’s free, fun and for everyone, so I would definitely encourage people to get involved.”
Cannock Chase parkrun will continue weekly, check the website for more information www.parkrun.org.uk/cannockchase
Photos courtesy of Steve Brown