BRIDPORT'S parkrun will reach its 100th event this weekend with a new campaign to get even more people taking part.

The popular 5km course will hit the milestone on Saturday, October 1 when parkwalk will be launched alongside the existing parkrun.

Bridport’s parkrun, called St Mary’s after the playing fields where it starts and finishes, was stopped not long after starting because of the pandemic, but since restarting has gone from strength to strength.

Not only will this weekend see the 100th run, but it will also see the 10,000th finish across the line. The runs are all put on by volunteers, and St Mary’s gets an average of 100 runners by putting on the run, involving 20 volunteers each week.

This weekend also sees the start of a new campaign by parkrun HQ called parkwalk, which, as the name suggests, is all about encouraging people who don’t feel they can run to walk it, with support from the volunteers.

Sarah Kay, volunteer event director, says: “It is so exciting that we have reached the 100 milestone. Visitors are always saying that we are one of the friendliest parkruns in the UK, and we always have a great atmosphere. The great thing about parkrun is that there is something for everyone, whether you are a fast runner, a slow walker, or want to volunteer, come along or get in touch at stmarys@parkrun.com."

Parkrun is a weekly run or walk around a 5km course that takes place every Saturday morning at 9am in over 1,400 places in the UK. It is completely free, and all are welcome, young or older, buggies and dogs.

To come along to a parkrun, you have to register, for free, just search for “parkrun register” online and complete the simple form.