Milestone for Winchester parkrun as it celebrates 400th edition

It was quite a party, with plenty of cakes on offer to reward the 469 finishers and 41 volunteers involved.

Event director David Watson welcomed the participants announcing that since April 2013, almost 15,000 different people have completed well over 100,000 parkruns, and that 1,300 volunteers have helped out. He thanked Winchester City Council for its continuing support in allowing parkrunners to use the North Walls Recreation Ground.

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David said that the Winchester parkrun records showed that 14 people had attended the 100th, 200th and 300th parkruns and that several of them were present to take part in the 400th.

There were other ‘milestone’ achievements too: Sarah Witt was running her 250th parkrun; with Caroline Carr and Paul Gardiner running their 100th. The fastest female to run the Winchester course is Carmen Sanchez-Toribio in a time of 17 mins 20 secs in 2015. Carmen (currently in Spain) sent her best wishes. The fastest male, Andy Greenleaf - who ran it 15 mins 22 secs in 2019 - was there to officially start the 400th event.

A big cheer greeted Winchester Hockey Club who turned out in force as both volunteers and participants. They are currently raising funds for Winchester Hospice.

David said that participating in local parkrun events is just one way of helping to improve both physical and mental well-being. The organisers are keen to emphasise that, despite all the statistics about finishing times, these are not ‘races’ - they are ‘runs’. Walkers, and those wanting to participate with pushchairs or dogs (on short leads), are welcome.

He added: "No one will ever be last! The volunteer ‘tail walkers’ are there to ensure that."

For more information go the Winchester parkrun website parkrun.org.uk/winchester

Click the top image to see more pictures from the day.