PARKRUN – a global phenomenon – is coming to Keighley.

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

And from September 15, Cliffe Castle Park will join 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.

Registration on the Keighley parkrun website opens on Friday, August 24. 

Event directors for the Cliffe Castle Park run are David and Carol Senior.

“This event is going to be a real asset to the community,” said Mr Senior.

“It’s for everyone, not just regular runners.

“We want to reach out to all members of the community to come along and give it a try.

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

“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, you get whatever exercise you want to take and you get to feel really smug for the rest of the day!

“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 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.