AFTER over a year of negotiations, a parkrun event has finally been brought to Melksham with the organisers saying they are ‘overwhelmed’ with positive feedback.
Parkrun is an organised, free weekly 5k run that is held all around the world. It is open to anyone, young, old, serious runners or people just wanting to get outside and exercise and was able to be brought to Melksham due to funding given to the town and parish councils and also Melksham Area Board.
Colin Goodhind, chair of Melksham Community Area Partnership who started the campaign to bring the event to Melksham said, “There were 102 runners on the first day on Saturday 16th December. This was after encouraging, or rather discouraging, local running groups not to enter as we didn’t want to be overwhelmed on our first run out.
“The weather was great for the event and the feedback we have received is very positive. People are glad that we have finally managed to bring a parkrun to the area.
“The crowds were full of first-timers and also experienced runners. The feedback we received from them has been truly valuable and much better than we ever imagined.
“We thought, for a first time, that there would be various points raised that we would have to work on, but that was not the case. We were all very pleasantly surprised.
“I would like to thank all who were involved in creating a successful first Melksham parkrun.”
Kelly Davies, on Melksham parkrun’s Facebook page showered the group with compliments saying, “Fantastic event for Melksham! Very well run by lots of encouraging and supportive marshalls! Thank you to everyone who made this happen for Melksham!“
Parkrun happens every Saturday at King George V playing fields at 9am. Now the ball is rolling, it will now rely on volunteers to keep it going, including marshals, time-keepers, scanners and many more.
Afterwards, runners and volunteers gather for a drink in Melksham Pavilion and all are welcome to join.
For more information about joining the parkrun event, or if you wish to volunteer, please visit www.parkrun.org.uk/ melksham
Picture: Julie Lavery
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