“It was truly wonderful to see so many people of all ages and abilities come together.”
A special parkrun event held to mark the centenary of Blackpool’s Stanley Park attracted a record-breaking number of participants as hundreds gathered to celebrate the milestone.
A total of 770 people ran, jogged and walked the course during the special Parkrun event on Saturday June 27, creating a fantastic atmosphere from start to finish for participants and spectators alike.
Those who took part also received historic medals to commemorate the occasion, with Blackpool South MP Chris Webb and Blackpool Council Leader Lynn Williams on hand to help give out the medals.
While Stanley Park hosts free weekly Parkrun events throughout the year, this special event marked the 100-day countdown to the park’s official Centenary Celebration Weekend later this year. It is one of a series of events taking place to celebrate 100 years since Stanley Park officially opened in 1926.
The commemorative Parkrun took place at the Grade II listed park and was jointly organised by Blackpool Council, which owns the park; the Friends of Stanley Park; and the local Parkrun organisers.
Parkrun is a free, fun and friendly weekly 5k community event where people can take part by walking, jogging, running, volunteering or simply spectating.
Centenery celebrations
The Parkrun centenary celebrations form part of a wider programme of events supported by a £500,000 investment from Blackpool Council. Major restoration work has already been completed across the park, including the renovation of the Cocker Clock Tower, as preparations continue for the landmark anniversary year.
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“What an incredible morning we had at the special Stanley Park Centenary Parkrun at the weekend,” read a statement from Blackpool Council. “The event marked the start of the 100-day countdown to Stanley Park’s Centenary Anniversary, and what a way to launch it.
“A huge thank you to the incredible Blackpool Parkrun team and the 60 fantastic volunteers whose hard work and dedication made the event possible,” it continued. “It was truly wonderful to see so many people of all ages and abilities come together, with such a strong sense of community throughout the morning.
“Congratulations go to every single person who took part and completed this special edition Parkrun. We hope this milestone has inspired even more people to come along and join these welcoming, friendly events.”
