St Helens 'Parkrun family' celebrate 20 years of 'wonderful' event

Launched by 13 intrepid runners in London in October 2004, parkrun has become a global phenomenon over the past two decades, with more than 10 million people registered across 23 countries.

Set up as a volunteer-led project to get people active in the community, the 5km events made their way to St Helens a decade ago, and 300 Victoria Park runners (and walkers!) celebrated the project's 20th anniversary earlier this month.

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St Helens' parkrun started in Victoria Park 10 years ago (Image: Kevin Creaghan) With an average of 300 people taking part in the Saturday morning events at Victoria Park, the events are "wonderful" as they bring people together and cater to all ages and abilities.

As well as the endorphin boost that the 5km circuit gives runners, they also get a boost from the "fantastic atmosphere" provided by the supportive volunteers and the post-run coffees offered at the Victoria Park bandstand.

Around 300 people attend the Victoria Park events each Saturday (Image: Kevin Creaghan) Director of St Helens Parkrun, Karen Harrison, said: "We have gone from having around 150 at the beginning to 300 weekly runners, so it is wonderful to see how far we have come with the parkrun in St Helens.

"We have also had around 900 amazing volunteers over the past ten years, with some who are not with us anymore, and there is another parkrun around the Dream in Sutton Manor now.

"It is amazing when you look at it because parkrun is for everyone, for any age, ability, or disability.

"Everyone's time is special to them because each person has their own reasons for doing it."

Around 400 volunteers have given their time up for St Helens' weekly parkrun (Image: Kevin Creaghan) With more than 12,500 people participating in 459 parkrun events in Victoria Park over the past ten years, Karen said she "can't imagine a Saturday without it".

Karen, who used to run with St Helens Sutton running club, added: "I've made so many friends at the parkrun over the years that they are like my parkrun family now!

"We have travelled to other parkruns in other countries and it has opened a lot of doors for me. I can't imagine a Saturday without it!"

More information about St Helens parkrun can be found here.

Much of the weekly parkrun group have become 'like family' (Image: Kevin Creaghan) Do you have a news story? I cover the whole of the St Helens borough and surrounding areas. Email conal.cunningham@newsquest.co.uk