MORE than 100 runners turned out for the launch of the Caldicot parkrun on Saturday 29th July.

The Caldicot park- run team have been working for several months to make this free weekly 5 kilometre run possible and it will now be held every Saturday at 9am.

The launch saw 129 runners complete the course, with local runner joined by runners from Stoke Gifford, Bath, Poole, Croydon, Pontypool, Newport, Cwmban, Bristol, Cardiff and Pontypridd.

The event was made possible by 21 volunteers who gave up their Saturday morning to be timekeepers, tail runners, barcode scanners and hand out the finish tokens the youngest being four years old.

Helen James, run director for Caldicot parkrun said: “I’m delighted to see the first run, great turn out and lovely to

see lots of tourists. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out to make it possible.”

The team has been supported by their local parkrun ambassador Fiona Cross.

She said: “This is a great example of the community and council working together. Thanks to their drive and determination the community can now enjoy this free weekly run/jog/walk or volunteer. Well done to all involved in establishing this event.”

Monmouthshire County Council also helped to bring the event to Monmouthshire.

Ian Saunders, head of tourism, leisure, culture and youth said: “This has been a fantastic outcome for local volunteers to deliver such a professional opportunity in their local community.

“We know the importance of regular physical activity, the parkrun gives everybody the possibility to take part, whether that be to walk or run.

“The weekly parkrun will enable local friends and families to take part and achieve something together.”

For more information on the Caldicot parkrun visit www.parkrun.org.uk/caldicot or email [email protected]