parkrun comes to Market Bosworth

The event officially launched on Saturday (7 January) and takes place every Saturday morning at Market Bosworth Country Park. Participants can enjoy a timed 5K (just over three miles) walk, jog or run that everyone is welcome to join. 

This project has been many years in the making and would not have been possible without the support of a group of committed residents, as well as Leicestershire County Council and Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council.

Parkrun is a free and weekly event that takes place at different venues worldwide. It offers a welcoming and inclusive experience where there is no time limit, and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along, whether they walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. All events are run by teams of dedicated volunteers from the local community. 

Each week also benefits from a ‘first timers’ briefing at 8:45am for those doing their first event, followed by a group briefing at 8:55am. The run then starts at 9am. Children are welcome, but those under eleven must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

John Kilcoyne and Huw Davies of the core team said: 

It's fantastic that we've finally got parkrun off the ground in Market Bosworth. There has been an incredible response from the local community, and we've had over 600 people running, jogging, walking and volunteering in our first two events alone. Those taking part have ranged from primary school age children right up to octogenarians. There are families walking the course together, people running with their dogs and pushing infants in buggies, not forgetting some fantastic runners of all paces. It really is there for everyone regardless of age or ability. We're excited to see how the event evolves and would love to hear from people who would like to get involved in volunteering to help put the event on each week.

Councillor Keith Nichols, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure at the Borough Council said:

A huge congratulations to the group of residents who have turned this ambition into a reality, Market Bosworth Country Park parkrun has been six years in the making and I am delighted that, along with Hastings High School, we now have two official parkruns in the borough. 

The health and wellbeing of our residents is vital. Our ambition is to help and encourage people to start some form of physical activity that can be integrated into as many areas of life as possible. Therefore, this new free weekly event, which is open to everyone, will help to play a part in that ambition. The Country Park is a beautiful setting and what better way to kickstart your weekend.”
Councillor Lee Breckon, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for resources added: “It gives us great pride to be starting the New Year by launching another parkrun in Leicestershire. As the eighth in the area, a big congratulations goes to parkrun, our Country Parks team as well as the many local groups, volunteers and businesses who have put years of hard work and dedication in to ensure successful events cross-county.  

The ongoing commitment of everyone involved will help promote our green spaces to residents and deliver longer term public health benefits.  Market Bosworth Country Park is well-known for its vibrant landscapes as the seasons change so I’d encourage participants, volunteers and supporters to get involved and take in all this superb park has to offer.”

To find out more about this event visit https://www.parkrun.org.uk/marketbosworthcountrypark/ Facebook @Market Bosworth Country Park parkrun or email marketbosworthcountrypark@parkrun.com