Sheringham parkrun’s anniversary celebrations go off with a bang

A family dressed as fireworks joined the fancy dress fun.

More than 4000 runners have run a total of more than 76,000 miles at Sheringham parkrun since it first started four years ago.

Runners of all ages and abilities - many in fancy dress, some with prams and others with pets - once again turned out at the National Trust estate at Sheringham Park for the anniversary run to mark the milestone this morning (Saturday).

The free, weekly, three mile run, which is organised by volunteers, was started by Councillor Becky Palmer, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture at North Norfolk District Council, who helped launched the event in 2012.

It was followed by a prize-giving ceremony for volunteer of the year as well as awards for the runners with the highest number of points gained over the year.

Councillor Palmer said: 'This is a great community event and a credit to the volunteers who ensure the parkrun takes place week after week; the district council was involved at the beginning and it's so good to see the event has gone from strength to strength.

'We were here to help set them up and give them advice and alot of our staff still help and volunteer here so it's great it's a real community effort.

'I'm all for getting people fit so I thought I come and show my support. Heart-break hill is a good name for the hill at the end.' But she added: 'You see the coastline, (steam) trains, groups of walkers; it's just beautiful - a really lovely environment.'

Sheringham parkrun is supported by NNDC, Active Norfolk, North Norfolk Beach Runners and parkrun UK.

Race director John Rumsby said: 'We're getting new people each week. It's fun, healthy and there is a really good atmosphere. There are a lot of families here today and I think it will just grow and grow.'