A series of new weekly community running events that aim to encourage healthy lifestyles in the Burnham-On-Sea area are set begin this coming weekend at Apex Park in Highbridge.
The free weekly community running events are being introduced as part of a nationwide initiative to promote health, as we first reported last year.
Burnham Harriers running club is overseeing the 5km runs, whose route will take in the Apex Park lakes, the River Brue footpath and then to Burnham seafront and back.
The weekly runs will be held each Saturday from June 20th at 9am and are open to all.
Organiser Reg Huxtable, pictured above, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The runs are being launched as part of the nationwide ‘Parkrun’ initiative. The runs are free and are not competitive – they will be held to help people improve their health and fitness.”
“They will be open to everyone, including those who wouldn’t usually get involved in sport.”
“All runners will need to register here to get a free unique barcode via a national website, then they’ll be able to record their times after each run and continuously improve their fitness and health.”
Funds have already been given to the project by Burnham & Highbridge Town Council, Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset County Council, who in total have provided £3,700 to achieve the costs for start-up.
A successful trial run took place last Saturday at Apex Park with a limited field of runners to confirm that the event is ready to proceed.
The organisation Parkrun oversees many weekly, 5km timed runs across the UK. “These events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and we encourage people of every ability to take part; from those taking their first steps in running, to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience; we welcome you all,” said a spokesman.
