First Letchworth parkrun is roaring success as hundreds turn out

Letchworth parkrun race director Mark Edwards briefs runners ahead of the inaugural race which had over 300 participants. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)

The event will now be a permanent fixture in the town with runners gathering every Saturday, becoming the second organised parkrun in the area following Stevenage’s debut in 2016 at Fairlands Valley Park.

Letchworth parkrun event director Mark Edwards said: “It’s fair to say we were pretty gobsmacked by the response to Letchworth’s first parkrun! It was great to see so many people from the community getting involved, either in volunteering or running.

Runners listen to instructions ahead of the inaugural Letchworth parkrun which had over 300 participants. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)

“The conditions were quite tough, with a fair bit of mud, but everyone got to the finish safely and with a lot of broad beaming smiles on their faces.

“We’d like to thank all of the volunteers who helped make it such a great day, and all of the organisations involved in getting a parkrun to North Herts. I can’t wait for next week and look forward to welcoming more runners and walkers to Letchworth in the near future.”

Letchworth parkrun race director Mark Edwards briefs runners ahead of the inaugural race which had over 300 participants. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)

The parkrun starts at 9am every Saturday – you can sign up to take part or volunteer to help at the upcoming events at parkrun.org.uk/letchworth.

Executive member for waste management, recycling and environment councillor Michael Weeks and chairman of the North Hertfordshire District Council councillor Alan Millard officially start the inaugural Letchworth parkrun which had over 300 participants. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)

Chairman of the North Hertfordshire District Council councillor Alan Millard, race director Mark Edwards and executive member for waste management, recycling and environment councillor Michael Weeks officially start the inaugural Letchworth parkrun which had over 300 participants. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)

Letchworth parkrun race director Mark Edwards briefs runners ahead of the inaugural race which had over 300 participants. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)

Almost 400 people came out to take park in the community and volunteer driven parkrun. Picture: Alan Millard (Image: Archant)

Councillor Alan Millard opened Letchworth's first ever parkrun. Picture: Supplied (Image: Archant)

Runners of all ages braved the muddy conditions at Letchworth's Grange Recreation Ground. Picture: Alan Millard (Image: Archant)

Letchworth parkrun race director Mark Edwards briefs runners ahead of the inaugural race which had over 300 participants. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)