A HUGE turnout surpassed all expectations as the 200th Evesham parkrun proved a resounding success.
The event team had hoped to attract at least 200 people to take part in Saturday’s milestone run but 20 minutes before the start it was clear this target was going to be smashed as crowds of people converged on the meadow near Hampton Ferry.
Various local running clubs had arrived in large numbers including Malvern Joggers, Pershore Plum Plodders, Worcester Black Pear Joggers and the town’s own Evesham Vale Running Club.
Others had travelled from as far away as Great Yarmouth, Winchester and High Wycombe to join in the celebrations.
Town mayor Mark Goodge had the privilege of setting the runners on their way but not before promising he would return in his running kit later in the year to take part himself.
The 5km course was completed by 366 people who negotiated plenty of mud and some strong winds along the way. This was more than double the number of people for a typical week and 130 more than the previous largest turnout.
Among the runners were Colin Tether and Robert Hale who were part of the original team who set up the event in 2015.
“When we started this we would have been happy to have had 30 people turn up, so we would never have expected it to become so popular,” said Mr Tether.
Run director Marcus Mumford said: “It was fantastic to see so many runners enjoying the sunshine and our beautiful riverside course.
“Of them, 111 hadn’t visited our event before and there were also 21 people doing their first ever parkrun. We hope all of them will come back next week!”
Evesham parkrun takes place every Saturday morning at 9am near Hampton Ferry and is free for everyone. Visit parkrun.org.uk/evesham for information on how to take part or to volunteer to help.