PARKRUN – the global phenomenon – arrives in Keighley on Saturday (Sept 15).

The free, timed five-kilometre runs are staged at nearly 550 locations across the UK – and in 20 countries worldwide.

And Cliffe Castle Park is the latest addition to the list of venues.

A staggering 1.7 million-plus people are currently registered with parkruns, which take place at 9am every Saturday.

The runs – organised by volunteers – are open to people of all ages and abilities, from club runners to those wishing to walk the route.

When registering online, people are given a barcode which they then take along to the parkrun. The barcode is scanned at the finish and each participant later receives their time.

A trial run was successfully held at Cliffe Castle Park earlier this month, in readiness for the launch.

Fifty club and leisure runners of all ages, supported by 20 volunteer marshals, participated.

The event was conducted under normal parkrun procedures, including timing.

Regional parkrun ambassador, Neil Holloway, said: “I am very excited about this new event.

“The Keighley parkrun is long overdue and I’m sure it will be popular.”

Event directors are Carol and David Senior.

“We are pleased with the event and look forward to the formal start of the weekly run,” said Mrs Senior.

“It is free to all. Runners should register just once online and print out their barcode to get a recorded time.”

Organisers stress that the parkrun is open to everyone.

“If you’ve never run in your life then this event is for you, because it’s a run not a race,” said Mr Senior.

“People who want to jog and walk a bit, or even walk all the way round, are welcome.

“We don’t have a winner – we have a first finisher – and no one comes last. Our last marshal is the ‘tail walker’.

“And the benefits are huge. You get outside in the open air in the newly-renovated Cliffe Castle Park, you get to meet people and make new friends and you get whatever exercise you want to take.

“If you’re not sure, come and watch or help us run the event by marshalling – you will be made very welcome. And by all means bring the dog.”

The new parkrun has been in development for nine months, and Mr Senior pays tribute to those involved.

“We could not have done it without the support of our MP John Grogan, Bradford Council and Bradford Teaching Hospitals,” he added.

Mr Grogan welcomes the initiative.

“Sport has a unique ability to bring people together,” he said.

“I hope this new parkrun attracts a good cross-section of Keighley people from all communities.”

A spokesman for the parkrun organisation nationally said: “The parkruns are open to everyone, free and are safe and easy to take part in.

“The events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and we encourage people of every ability to take part – from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians, from juniors to those with more experience, we welcome you all!”

A junior parkrun for four-to-14-year-olds has been operating monthly in Lund Park, and it is hoped that event will go weekly later this year.

More details about parkrun can be found at parkrun.org.uk.