Active Norfolk and NHS Norfolk have joined together to promote “parkrun” – an exciting new initiative to get people of all ages more active.

The first parkrun takes place on Saturday 7 August at 9am, in Eaton Park, Norwich.

Parkruns are 5km long, timed, and free to enter. They will continue to be organised at Eaton Park each Saturday, from 7 August onwards.

The initiative is being funded by Active Norfolk and NHS Norfolk, and both organisations are delighted to bring it to the county, along with the help of the City of Norwich Athletics Club and a number of very dedicated volunteers.

Lucy Macleod, NHS Norfolk’s Consultant in Public Health, said: “Parkrun has proved a great success elsewhere in the country, and we are hopeful that it will be equally popular in Norfolk.


“Today’s sedentary lifestyles can lead to a risk of developing serious illnesses like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. But often it’s easier to become more active than you think, and parkrun is a great example of how easy it can be.


“We would urge everyone to go along and give it a try. It’s an enjoyable way to get some exercise, in a great setting.”

Nick Clarke, Physical Activity and Health Co-ordinator for Active Norfolk, added: “We are very happy to support parkrun. It’s a fun way to work towards those 60 active minutes a day and anyone can join in, whether you’re an experienced runner or new to exercise. It’s an all-inclusive, community-based feel-good event, and we are pleased to stage it in Norfolk.”

All runners must register before the event and entries must be received by Friday 6 August. Visit www.parkrun.com for more information.

The Your Health section of the NHS Norfolk website has information on all aspects of healthy living – from eating well, being active and how to get support to stop smoking, to what is important in maintaining and managing your own health. Visit www.norfolk.nhs.uk to find out more.

For information about healthy eating projects and those designed to get you more active, call the NHS Norfolk Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 587 4132.

To find out more about activities organised by Active Norfolk visit: www.activenorfolk.org, or call 01603 697011.