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Town parkrun celebrates 500th event

Parkrun In this drone photograph, the number 500 is spelled out using runners and volunteers of the parkrun, all dressed in blue. Surrounding them is the grassy field and a path runs just above the 500.Parkrun
Taunton's parkrun has reached 500 races

Taunton's parkrun has reached its 500th race, after first starting in 2013.

More than 430 runners joined the weekly event to celebrate the milestone, with the race attended by a number of local dignitaries.

More than 17,000 people have crossed the finish line in its 11 year history, and it had recruited 1,300 volunteers.

Race director Jamie Hill said he was "very proud" of the teams of volunteers which supported the event every week,

Parkrun A row of 19 people, mostly in pink hi-vis jackets have their hands in the air and are smiling at the camera. They're stood underneath a barn-like structure, and in front of them is a blue sign which says 'Longrun Meadow'.Parkrun
The race first started in 2013

Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset, Mr Hill said the race "can't happen without volunteers.

"That's 20 plus volunteers every week, just to make sure our park runners can run around safely, and have the event set up and ready for them at 09:00 on a Saturday morning."

More than 40 people helped at the 500th parkrun, which is known as Longrun Meadow - named after the park in which it is held.

Mr Hill also said the race was often used by parkrun tourists, who were maybe staying in the area, or travelling along the M5 on Saturday mornings.

Supplied Five people are stood in a line looking at the camera. On the left is a man in a yellow running coat, hat and black running leggings. Next to him on his right is a man in a ceremonial blue jacket with a white cravat, blue tights and trainers. On his right is the mayor and she's wearing her ceremonial necklace, with a black hat, long black coat and black jeans. On her right is the deputy mayor in his ceremonial chains, a long black coat and wellington boots. Jamie Hill is on the right, and wearing a blue jumper with a pink high-vis over it, as well as black shorts.Supplied
Local dignitaries joined race director Jamie Hill (R)

Mr Hill said he hoped to get to the next milestone of 1,000 parkruns, adding: "If the demand is there we will do it.

"We're supported by the friends of French Weir, we've got Taunton Town Council... we're able to store our equipment, and we've got the Weir Cafe that gets swamped with parkrunners on a Saturday."

He said the weekly run supported people from all walks of life, explaining: "It can often do people a lot of good... we have all sorts of people who come down and volunteer and get something from it... when you put on that high-viz it's amazing what people come and tell you.

"It's a real privilege."

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