RUNNERS in parks across the country have laced up their trainers to celebrate the 20th birthday of one of Britain's most successful fitness phenomenons: Parkrun.

Winchester was no exception, with 444 athletes of all ages taking part in this Saturday's (October 5) edition at River Park Recreation Ground.

Volunteer, and some-time Parkrun participant Tony Hurlin, 81, of Winchester, said: "I think the whole of Parkrun is just a miraculous movement, I can’t believe it’s been so successful. I started at the age of 76 and I was welcomed here after I retired from a career in club running."

READ MORE: Timeline: How parkrun grew from time trial with just 13 runners

Tony explained how he reached a high level through his club after having started aged 40, once clocking a 34-minute 10k, but that Parkrun provided the ideal way to wind down and enjoy the sport a little more.

Pointing out a couple strolling around the five-kilometre course with their baby, he said that the event really is for anyone and everyone.

Another volunteer, Carol Pusey, 68, said: "I love doing it. I run sometimes and I volunteer sometimes. It’s really nice because it brings together all ages. You have everybody from babies to people over 80. It’s also quite a simple thing – you just have to turn up."

The winner on the day was Ben Smith, 42, who finished well ahead of the rest with a time of 17.32.

SEE ALSO: Parkrun celebrates 20 years of making people healthier and happier

Ben, who is a member of Winchester Fit Club, described Parkrun as "an excuse to get out of bed on Saturday morning and do some exercise".

The first Parkrun took place on October 2, 2004, with just 13 runners and five volunteers at Bushy Park in Teddington.

Twenty years later, there have been a total of 3,395,615 finishers, 459,171 volunteers and 288,840 Parkruns.