Watergrove Parkrun

Watergrove Parkrun

Despite thunder storms, lightening and torrential rain, the first Watergrove Parkrun saw 89 runners and 25 volunteers took part in a timed 5k run for all ages and abilities.

Robin Tuddenham of Todmorden Harriers and AC was first over the finish line, whilst Jill Butterworth of Rochdale Harriers and AC was the first female over the line (27th overall).

Runners completed the course in between 20 and 40 minutes with the course being designed to minimise environmental damage and disruption to park users.

As well as local runners, the event saw visitors from further a field take part, including Chris Jones who was completing his 259th Parkrun.

Peter Samuelson completed his 100th Parkrun and has now completed 100 runs in 100 different locations.

Altogether 13 runners completed their first Parkrun event with organisers hoping they return for many more.

Parkrun is a not-for-profit organisation. Watergrove Parkrun is the first event in Rochdale and was supported by Link4Life.

Link4Life provided financial support to cover the initial set up costs of the event through funding provided from Sport England’s Community Sport Activation Fund and Link4life’s Activ8te ME Programme.

Julie Durrant, Community Development Officer, said: “Link4Life are delighted to be part of the Rochdale’s very own Parkrun. It has taken months of hard work from dedicated volunteers to get the run off of the ground but we can now finally boast that Rochdale is part of the Parkrun family.”

Event Director, Barbara Bayliss, said: “It was fantastic to be part of the team at our inaugural run on Saturday. Parkrun engenders a spirit of community through both running and volunteering and we look forward to welcoming many more participants, runners and volunteers, to our weekly events.”

Parkruns are not about racing but are about the runner's own ability and time. The event is organised entirely by volunteers and depends each week on people offering their time to help.