Hundreds turn out as Haywards Heath park run proves popular

It was launched at Clair Park in the summer to help people improve or maintain their fitness.

So far more than 340 different people have taken part and more than 600 runs completed.

The run was launched in July and the organisers say they aim to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where people of all abilities can participate, support, volunteer, socialise and get fit for nothing.

People who want to find out more should go to http://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/form/ to register.

The West Sussex Community Initiative Fund helped the scheme.

Councillor Pete Bradbury, chairman of the Central Mid Sussex County Local Committee visited the “parkrun” in Haywards Heath, which has benefited from a £1,000 grant under the CIF scheme.

The “parkrun” is a weekly timed 5km run that takes place each Saturday morning at 9am. It is free to take part and the event is aimed at all ages and abilities. There are now more than 300 “parkruns” across the globe.

Mr Bradbury, pictured with a runner, said: “I am really delighted that the event benefited from a grant because this is just the type of community activity that CIF grants are designed to help.

“What an inspiration to see so many, young and old, out running.”

The £1,000 grant contributed to the purchase of equipment such as timers, a barcode scanner and a laptop. These are used to ensure the smooth running of the event and the processing of the results.