Huge turnout of runners for 500th Eglinton Parkrun event

This weekend say the free community event take place for the 500th time – with a new record set in the process.

Parkrun first came to the Kilwinning and Irvine country park in March, 2013, taking place just about every Saturday at 9.30am since.

Before Saturday, the lowest attendance in any week was 37 and the highest was an impressive 259.

Though that was smashed out the park – if you pardon the pun – for the landmark event which saw an incredible 291 participants take on the five-kilometre route.

Before the event took place the directors who take charge of organising the parkrun shared some remarkable stats from over the years.

Since their first event just over 11 years ago, a remarkable 8,093 people have taken part at Eglinton – a total which was of course added to on Saturday.

For the 5km route, the average time for finishers – with participants welcome to run, jog or walk - over the years has been 29 minutes and 15 seconds.

They also paid homage to all those who make the event possible.

Parkrun has six director who take turn organising the event which needs a minimum of 15 volunteers to take place each week.

Even more effort went into Saturday’s run with plenty done to ensure that the landmark event was one to remember.

There were plenty of donations of home baking and other goodies which were enjoyed after they completed the run.

And though the weather was out with their control, organisers could not have asked for better conditions for the event.

However, not everyone would have been grateful for the beating sun – with costumes encouraged for the milestone event.

With a theme of famous people, some were set up perfectly to enjoy the heat, while others may have perhaps welcomed a stiffer breeze.

Speaking after the event, organisers shared their delight at what was a fantastic morning to mark the momentous occasion.

They said: “What an absolutely stunning and incredible turnout for our 500th event!

“The course record was absolutely smashed with 291 taking park, and 21 of you completing your first ever parkrun.

“It was a truly special morning and we want to celebrate everyone that took park or volunteered.”

For more information on the parkrun, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/eglintonparkrun.

(Images: Charlie Gilmour)