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On your marks for a new Parkrun event to be trialed at Coldham's Common

A new regular ‘Parkrun’ event is set to be trialed in Cambridge this autumn.

The free 5km timed event will take place weekly at Coldham’s Common recreation ground, after the open space was identified as a suitable location by Cambridge City Council and the organisers of Parkrun, and following a public consultation in June.

The new event will be the first in Cambridge itself, following the success of two other regular Parkruns nearby, at Milton Country Park and Wimpole Hall.

In total 1,246 took part in the consultation in June, with 70% of respondents living in Cambridge postcode areas. In total, 97% of respondents said they supported a Parkrun at Coldham’s Common, with 93% of Cambridge City residents in support.

The consultation also raised some concerns, which will be monitored as the event is established. The council has agreed that the Coldham’s Common Parkrun will be subject to a trial period of 12 months and the council will be able to cancel events if they are deemed unsafe or unsuitable.

Parkrun is held at locations around the world, including at more than 500 venues in the UK, and is open to runners, joggers and walkers alike.

The Coldham’s Common Parkrun has already identified an Event Director to help organise it, and is now looking for volunteers to join the team. There will be a session for potential volunteers at 7.30pm on Wednesday 8 August at Barnwell Baptist Church. People interested in attending can email paul.beastall@parkrun.com

The new regular Parkrun event will form part of the council’s wider work to give more residents the opportunity to live healthy and active lifestyles. The council already supports running programmes including:

 ‘3-2-1’ marked running and walking routes of various lengths at Jesus Green, Coldham’s Common, Cherry Hinton Hall and Trumpington Country Park.

Running groups for beginners based at Abbey Leisure Complex

Cllr Richard Johnson, Executive Councillor for Communities, said: “We are pleased to be supporting this new Parkrun on one of our most popular open spaces, and I am sure it will prove extremely popular with residents.

“Parkruns have proved elsewhere to be great community events that are open to all, whether you are taking your first steps towards increasing activity levels, keeping fit, or training for other running events. A lot of work has been done to identify a suitable location in Cambridge for a new regular event, and we are happy that Coldham’s Common is an ideal location.”

Volunteer Event Support Ambassador for Parkrun Paul Beastall, said: “We are delighted that Cambridge City Council is supporting a new Parkrun in Cambridge and we look forward to welcoming runners and walkers to Coldham’s Common once we start. In true Cambridge spirit we will be encouraging people to walk, jog or cycle to the event.”

More information will be available or the ‘Let’s Get Moving Cambridge’ Facebook page.

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