Bolberry Down Parkrun has now become a popular and regular fixture for locals and tourists on Saturday mornings. The events which are run entirely by volunteers, happen every week at 9am, and participants jog or walk around a beautiful 5 km (3.1 mile) course.

The Parkrun is a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience where there is no time limit, and everyone supports each other. Currently about 80 participants arrive each week, some with children in buggies, dogs on leads and different generations of the same family. Some come to challenge themselves against the clock while for others the challenge is just completing the course.

Local Karen, summed up the parkrun ethos perfectly: “Last Saturday the day after I turned 52 I finally made it to the stunningly beautiful Bolberry Down Parkrun where I recorded my fastest time ever. What is most worth noting is the progress I have made since my first ever Parkrun back in February 2018 which I jogged/walked with my then 7-year-old daughter who kept asking why I had to keep stopping! Honestly? It’s because I couldn’t breathe & my legs wouldn’t work!

The 2nd time I did it by myself & because I didn’t have a tiny bossy human nagging at me to go faster this time, I was even worse & I admit I felt disheartened by the whole thing. This is where I had a choice.

Write it all off as a ridiculous idea, carry on with the sedentary lifestyle, reward myself after a busy day with booze & the occasional ciggie, or keep trying.

The thing with Parkrun is that it’s inclusive & friendly & there are wonderful people who volunteer to cheer you on. You always have a sense of achievement (or relief) when you finish & it doesn’t matter if you aren’t sporty or fit, if you are slow or have to walk, the main thing is you are getting outside in nature, moving your body and releasing those happy hormones.”

To find out more about the community Parkrun, see the website and facebook for details on how to register for free to take part or to help with volunteering: www.parkrun.org.uk/bolberrydown