Volunteers are being sought to help organise a series of runs at Apex Park in Highbridge to encourage healthy lifestyles.
A series of free weekly community running events at Apex Park are being introduced as part of a nationwide initiative to promote health, as we first reported here last month.
Burnham Harriers running club is overseeing the 5km runs which will be held every Saturday morning at 9am from early in the new year open to all.
Brian Beale from Burnham Harriers told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The event cannot happen without volunteers. We need as many people as possible on our team in order that a rota system may be introduced. The more people on the rota, the longer it takes for a turn to come around. We cannot do it by ourselves, so we are looking for other local organisations to help.”
“Burnham Lions Club is already on board and approaches are in hand to others. We need help in this venture from the community, from organisations, families, friends to assist in marshalling, time keeping and logging on a rotational basis.”
To offer help, contact Brian at b.beale1@aol.co.uk or on 01934 732310, or Reg at vincenthuxtable@gmail.com or on 01278784261.
Co-organiser Reg Huxtable added: “The runs are being launched as part of the nationwide ‘Parkrun’ initiative. All runners will need to register 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.”
“The runs will be 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.”
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.
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.
