Parkrun Newbury celebrates 100th run today

THE organiser of a popular running event is encouraging new people to come along and help them celebrate its 100th run in Newbury this weekend.
The event, called parkrun, provides people all over the country with the opportunity to keep fit and socialise with others.
It has grown in popularity since it was set up in Newbury almost two years ago and sees people of all ages participate in a 5km run every Saturday morning at 9am on Greenham Common.
There are currently 4,000 people registered in the Newbury area - more than both Basingstoke and Swindon - and the event now attracts between 350 and 400 runners every weekend.
Now the lady who set up Newbury parkrun, Rachael Elliot, wants to see it grow even further.
“It is a fantastic way to meet other people and keep active,” she said.
“I have got more friends than I ever used to have because of parkrun and there is a great atmosphere here. So many families come down to us and I think that is one of the reasons why it has become so popular.
“I would urge anyone who has not been along before to come down for our 100th race. It’s all a bit of fun and we don’t have winners, we call everyone finishers.”
All runners are invited to meet for for coffee and celebratory cake at the Coffee Exchange at Greenham Business Park after the run.
For more details, including how to register for free, visit http://www.parkrunorg.uk/newbury/