A FORMER instructor in the Royal Engineers has completed his 500th parkrun, dedicating it to his dad and running buddy. 

Lance Mitchell completed the milestone on Saturday, April 27, at Charlton Lakes – which was also his 475th parkrun in Andover.

After starting to run in 2012, Lance has completed parkruns in eight other locations, including Pegasus in New Zealand.

After completing the momentous run, race director Kirsty Marchment allowed Lance time of the megaphone to be able to thank all of the volunteers who have made the event possible over the last 12 years.

READ MORE: Dedicated runner to take part in remarkable 500th parkrun this weekend

He also gave a special mention to the four original race directors who started off Andover Parkrun – Jon Simmonds, Gemma Coombes, Helen Davis and Jason Briley.

Lance said: “I also had the opportunity to dedicate my special run to my dad, Tony Greenfield, whose ashes we scattered in the Peak District on the Thursday before. He came along to support us at Andover parkrun on several occasions.”

A dedication was also given to Lance’s long-time running buddy Ian Griffin, who participated in his first Andover Parkrun in July 2011 and completed 363 parkruns in total.

Sadly, Ian died on Sunday, April 28, and was not able to see Lance complete the milestone race.

Lance described his friend, who was at the Countess of Brecknock Hospice before his death, as a ‘true gentleman’.

Following the run Lance was given a sweet treat in the form of cupcakes from the Ball family.