Fylde Coast parkruns invite everyone to ‘Bring a friend’ this weekend 

People across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre are being encouraged to kick-start the new year with a boost to their wellbeing as its parkrun and junior parkrun events invite everyone to join in the fun this weekend, and to bring a friend.

There are Saturday 5k events at Lytham Hall, Blackpool (Stanley Park) and Fleetwood Promenade.

The junior 2k events - for ages 4 to 14 - are on Sunday mornings, at Lytham's Park View 4U or Anchorsholme Park.

The potential benefits are endless, with recent research showing that 79% of parkrunners reported an improvement to their happiness, increasing to 86% for those that volunteer with parkrun - reinforcing the positive impact parkrun can have on both physical and mental health. parkrun events, already well established in neighbourhoods throughout the region, continue to attract walkers, joggers, runners, and volunteers of all ages and abilities.

Kirsten Burnett, Regional Event Ambassador and co Event Director for Lytham Hall parkrun tells us:

"This week’s ‘Bring a friend’ initiative is a simple way to share the inclusive, social, and free experience that keeps parkrunners coming back week after week."

“So many people discover parkrun because someone they know invited them or recommended it to them,” 

“Bringing a friend not only helps grow our communities, it helps people feel instantly welcome, and in the longer-term helps them connect with others and rediscover the joy of being active.

"That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to bring a friend to one of our fantastic Fylde Coast parkrun events on Saturday 10 or juniors on Sunday 11 January, and spread the joy of parkrun/junior parkrun.”

All events are free and held every Saturday (Sunday for junior parkrun) morning at 9am. Simply register once online to receive a personal barcode that can be used at any parkrun or junior parkrun around the world.

People can walk or run the route, support their community as volunteers, or simply spectate and socialise. parkrunners can push a pram, bring their dog on a short lead (5k event, junior events are dog-free apart from any doggies in the park already) or take part with their friends and family.

There is no time limit and nobody finishes last, thanks to volunteer ‘tail walkers’ who provide support and encouragement on the course. Junior 2k events are for ages 4 to 14, while anyone over 4 can take part in the 5k, although under 11s have to be with a responsible adult. parkrun is a UK-based global health and wellbeing charity, and events are free and open to anyone.

The local parkruns are amongst over 850 parkruns and 470 junior parkruns across the UK, with more than 250,000 different people taking part each weekend. parkrun registration is free at www.parkrun.org.uk/register