New year parkrun to happen 'whatever the weather'

Organisers of a New Year's Day parkrun have said the event will take place "whatever the weather".

The 5km run usually takes place at The Pitchcroft at Worcester Racecourse every Saturday at 9:00 GMT. But it is to be held at the same time on Wednesday as a one-off to mark the new year.

"It could be wet, it could be windy, but those are the ones that we remember, it adds to the sense of a shared experience I think," said Dai Morris, one of the organisers.

Saturday's event regularly attracts more than 400 runners and he said numbers would be "boosted" on Wednesday as Worcester Woods parkrun was not on.

Instead, more than 1,000 runners took part in Worcester Woods parkrun on Christmas Day where Mr Morris said there was "a real festival atmosphere".

Worcester was one of only 11 cities globally to top 1,000 runners on Wednesday, he added.

Mr Morris credited Richard Ralphs who launched parkrun in Worcester in 2014, for "establishing a culture in the city" that has encouraged more people to start running.

In recent months runners and volunteers have tackled cold weather and strong winds, he said, but people have not been put off.

"It adds an extra glow to the people who get over the line and to the people who are there volunteering to make sure the event runs safely," he said.

"Whatever the weather we'll take it on!"

Mr Morris said they were expecting more first-time runners at Wednesday's parkrun as people set their new year fitness goals.

He added everyone was welcome at the event.

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