A brand-new parkrun has launched this month in Kingsway Park, Urmston, to the delight of Trafford’s running, jogging and walking community.
The circuit at the green lung, owned by the Council and maintained by the One Trafford partnership, was tested by event organisers and volunteer marshals before the inaugural Kingsway Park parkrun on Saturday 2 May.
The free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community parkrun event is now happening every Saturday at 9am – one of more than 1,400 around the country - with walkers, joggers, runners, volunteer and spectators all welcome.
It compliments established parkruns at Longford Park, Stretford, and Sale Water Park that continue to draw big numbers. The Kingsway Park course is on a mix of of grass and permanent path, which can get muddy, with signs and marshals pointing the way.
As with all parkruns, participants are encouraged to travel to the park on foot or by bike, or car-share to help the environment and minimise congestion. Taking part is free but people should register before they first come along and bring a scannable copy of their barcode to be given an official time. Post parkrun coffees are served at the George Carnall Community Hub in Urmston – all are welcome.
Co event directors Luke Donald and Andrew Carlson are supported by a team of volunteers in staging the parkrun which has been four years in planning and preparation.
Luke said:
“We’re delighted to finally get this event off the ground in such a lovely setting – we hope it will run and run. Our thanks go to Trafford Council, the George Carnall Community Hub and parkrun HQ, with whom we worked closely throughout the process, to ensure we can deliver a safe and sustainable event week after week.
“Over 1,000 people have already tried out our 3-lap course. We have welcomed visitors from far and wide who have come check out Greater Manchester's newest parkrun. But we are mainly proud of the fact that we have started to build a strong community of local runners, walkers and volunteers who enjoy getting outdoors on a Saturday morning.”
Cllr Eve Parker, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said:
“We are delighted to welcome another parkrun to the borough, especially as the current two at Longford Park and Sale Water Park are so well attended.
“parkrun is such a great phenomenon on so many levels – the chance to be active in beautiful surroundings and meet and connect with people, whatever your ability or involvement. It ties in with Council priorities for facilitating healthy and independent lives, and culture and sport for everyone.”
People with questions, or who want to volunteer, can email kingswayparkurmston@parkrun.com.