Andover parkrun celebrates 600th event at Charlton fields

This free, weekly 5k community event has welcomed more than 14,000 participants of all ages since its first run in July 2011.

"We regularly get over 200 participants each week with many celebrating personal achievements and best times," said parkrun director Lewis Jones.

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The event attracts walkers, joggers, runners, and volunteers, creating a fun and friendly atmosphere for the whole community.

Andover Triathlon Club members have been enthusiastic supporters of parkrun, not only volunteering but also clocking up some impressive stats themselves.

Andover Triathlon Club athletes at last Saturday's parkrun (Image: Contributed)

In 2023, club members ran the Andover parkrun a total of 369 times, covering a distance of 1,845km (1,144 miles).

Nick Grace from the club ran all-time totals of 3,197 Andover parkruns and 15,985km (9,911 miles).

But their passion for parkrun extends beyond Andover.

In 2023, ATC members ran a total of 580 parkruns in 84 different locations around the world, covering 2,900km (1,798 miles).

From the Andover parkrun (Image: Contributed)

Their international adventures included parkruns in Australia, Canada, Italy, Poland, Holland, and the Channel Islands.

Overall ATC members have run a total of 4160 parkruns in 191 locations including the USA, Denmark, South Africa and France, covering 20800km (12896miles).

Jane Dyson, an Andover Triathlon Club member who reached the 300-parkrun milestone on Christmas Day, said: "Parkrun gets me out of bed every Saturday. The volunteers are amazing, and it helps me stay motivated for triathlons and other races. Plus, I've made so many great friends along the way!"