There was a mass turnout for the first-ever Pendle parkrun on Saturday.
After months of planning, a huge team of volunteers turned out for the first run.
And they were rewarded by 168 runners of all ages and abilities putting themselves to the test.
Parkrun is a hugely-popular global concept with thousands of races taking place at 9am every Saturday.
All parkruns start at that time and cover a 5k route, in Pendle’s case a two-lap race covering Holt House playing fields and Alkincoats Park in Colne.
Saturday’s event attracted runners from across the north of England, but there was a strong local flavour to the to the first runners home.
Former Pendle runner Michael Hunt, now of Trafford AC, was first home, finishing 20 seconds clear of Leon Passco of Clayton Harriers. Third place went to Todmorden Harrier Robin Tuddenham a further 15 seconds behind.
Trawden AC, partners with Pendle Council in organising the event, were well represented in the ladies’ race with Nicola Nuttall first home by just 13 seconds from clubmate Autumn Howard. Stockport’s Gillian Doolan was the third lady home.
Parkrun globally produces a formula for age-grading results with race winner Michael Hunt (V40-44), Paul Brannon (V55-59) and David Scott (V70-74) achieving those accolades.
Parkruns are free to enter, but to record a time runners must register first at {http://www.parkrun.org.uk|www.parkrun.org.uk} and print off a barcode.
A spokesman for the race organisers aid after the event: “The weather gods were very kind to us and it stayed dry for the entire run, despite some horrible early morning rain and further deluges during the day.
“We had 168 runners from many different places who enjoyed our opening event
“This was just the first of a weekly event in Alkincoats Park, so if you took part please let us know what you thought of the course and organisation. And don’t forget to come back regularly and bring along some friends for a great way to kickstart your weekend!”
The second Pendle parkrun will take place tomorrow at 9am. The run itself sets off close to Colne and Nelson Rugby Club and ample parking is available to accommodate runners and spectators.