People turned out in force to run, walk or jog Norfolk's newest 5km Parkrun at Sloughbottom Park in Norwich.

Eastern Daily Press: People turned out in force to run, walk or jog Norfolk’s newest 5km Parkrun at Sloughbottom Park in Norwich. Photo: Ian EdwardsPeople turned out in force to run, walk or jog Norfolk’s newest 5km Parkrun at Sloughbottom Park in Norwich. Photo: Ian Edwards (Image: Archant)

The inaugural event on Saturday was attended by 175 people and came after months of planning by a team of experienced Parkrun volunteers, led by co-event directors Miranda Ellis and Hugh Woolfenden.

It is a much needed fourth Parkrun in Norwich, complementing the existing Norwich, Catton and Colney Lane events where numbers have soared in recent years.

By launching a Parkrun in the Mile Cross area, the aim is to create a really inclusive event which encourages people of all abilities to be more active.

Ms Ellis said: "We're really excited about the potential of Slouthbottom Parkrun. It's a beautiful course and we think there will be a real demand for it.

Eastern Daily Press: People turned out in force to run, walk or jog Norfolk’s newest 5km Parkrun at Sloughbottom Park in Norwich. Photo: Ian EdwardsPeople turned out in force to run, walk or jog Norfolk’s newest 5km Parkrun at Sloughbottom Park in Norwich. Photo: Ian Edwards (Image: Archant)

"All of the core team are people who are passionate about Parkrun, both as runners and as volunteers, and know the benefits taking part in regular activity with a group of like-minded people can bring both in terms of physical and mental well-being.

"We want to create our own community, where everybody feels welcome and able to participate and contribute. We would especially welcome people who have never tried a Parkrun before.

The Sloughbottom course starts within the park itself before taking in a stretch of Marriott's Way and looping around nearby Anderson's Meadow, making it the city's first one-lap Parkrun.

It is mostly flat and most of the course is on paths and tracks.

Eastern Daily Press: People turned out in force to run, walk or jog Norfolk’s newest 5km Parkrun at Sloughbottom Park in Norwich. Photo: Ian EdwardsPeople turned out in force to run, walk or jog Norfolk’s newest 5km Parkrun at Sloughbottom Park in Norwich. Photo: Ian Edwards (Image: Archant)

Events take place every Saturday starting at 9am.

Participation is free thanks to funding from Norwich City Council and ActiveNorfolk and the work of a team of dedicated volunteers.

Mr Woolfenden said: "Our message to anybody thinking of taking up Parkrun is: come along and give it a go."

For more info visit www.parkrun.org.uk/sloughbottom