Slideshow: It’s full speed ahead for first ever Parkrun at Oakwell Hall

More than 200 people turned out on Saturday morning, compared to the 70-80 which typically run at Dewsbury’s event at Crow Nest Park.

Event director and Oakwell Running Bears member Keith Joplin said that people liked to try out the first run.

“It was excellent, despite the weather,” he said. “The rain just stopped as we got off to run.

“There were many nice comments made on Facebook about the diversity of the run and everybody commented how nice the marshalls were.”

The fastest runner completed the 5km route in 18 minutes and 16 seconds.

Parkrun is a free event offered at more than 200 locations across the country to encourage running whatever a person’s ability.

To take part in the runs, you must register online at www.parkrun.com and download a barcode to present each week.

Mr Joplin and Oakwell Hall Country Park ranger Amanda Walker worked together to bring Parkrun to the Birstall venue, helped by £3,000 from Kirklees Council, the Friends of Oakwell Hall, PPG Paints and Parkhouse Healthcare,

The pair are appealing for volunteer marshalls to encourage the runners on Saturday mornings, because the 18 who showed up to help out last weekend now want to do the run themselves.

Call Keith Joplin on 07976 569352 for more information.