HUNDREDS of enthusiastic runners – some with dogs, kids in pushchairs and even wearing fancy dress – descended on Great Notley Discovery Park on Saturday for the first ever parkrun.
After four months of planning the run started at 9am, with 230 people setting off on the 5k race from the Wooden Spoon Café.
"It was absolutely superb, the weather was perfect, we timed it really luckily as it started to rain just as we finished," said Len Marten, the event director.
"I actually live in Braintree, but when we set up the Chelmsford parkrun we didn't think there would be a desire for one here, but after the success of the Chelmsford and Maldon runs, Braintree District Council approached us to start one and it's been great.
"We expect the second one to have a few less people, that's normal as people come from miles away to take part in new parkruns, then it drops off, then we hope it picks up again as local support grows."
Those that sign up get a barcode and once they complete the course they get a text informing them of their time.
"I really like parkruns, they're open to everybody, from children aged six and adults aged nearly 80," added Len, 42.
"Great Notley is a great place to run as well, it's very different to Chelmsford as that is around Central Park and flat, whereas Great Notley is two laps, the ground is uneven and has a big hill."
First past the finishing line was Malcolm Muir in 16 mintues and 53 seconds.
Chelmsford was the first parkrun in Essex, but now they are held in Colchester, Southend, Harrow, Basildon and Maldon, and Braintree.
To sign up visit www.parkrun.org.uk
Event organisers always need more volunteers so if you want to help out email greatnotleyhelpers@parkrun.com
