A new weekly parkrun event on East Holmes Field is set to boost local health and community spirit in Ilkley.
The inaugural parkrun took place on Saturday, 2nd August, with a special celebration for Yorkshire Day, and will now take place every Saturday morning at 9am, starting near the skate park.
The event is entirely organised by volunteers and is free to participate in, but all participants must register online beforehand to receive a barcode.
Parkrun is a global, free, weekly 5k event that brings people together to walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.
More than just a timed run, parkrun events worldwide are known for fostering a strong sense of community and promoting both physical and mental well-being. It’s a supportive environment where people of all ages and abilities are welcome, from seasoned runners to those taking their first steps toward a more active lifestyle. Regular exercise has been shown to improve mental health, reduce stress, and boost overall mood.
Organisers of the Ilkley parkrun are keen to encourage people to get involved, whether that's by participating or volunteering. The event can only happen with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers who perform a variety of roles, from timekeeping and marshalling to handing out finish tokens. It's a fantastic way to support the local community and be a part of the vibrant atmosphere without even needing to run.
Ilkley resident Hattie O'Looney is the Event Director and commented:
"It was wonderful to see so many people from Ilkley and beyond come together for our first event. The atmosphere was incredible, and it was a perfect way to celebrate both the start of our parkrun and Yorkshire Day.
"It was a massive success, with 181 walkers and runners and 28 volunteers joining us on the day. parkrun is so much more than a run; it's about friendship, support, and community. We'd love for more people to get involved and join our team—it’s a rewarding way to be a part of something positive in our town and we welcome everyone, whether they want to walk, jog, run the course, or just come down and cheer people on."
The organising team would like to extend their sincere thanks to several local groups for their invaluable support in getting the event off the ground. A special thank you goes to Ilkley Town Council, who supported the event as part of their Green Spaces, Environment and Sustainability strategy. Thanks also go to the Ilkley Harriers and Ilkley Juniors Running Club, Ilkley & District Round Table, Ilkley & District Rotary Club, and Leeds Bradford Triathlon club for their assistance.
[The 5k event brings people together to walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate Photo: Phil Bland]
Ilkley Harriers chair Nick Kealey has been delighted to see it become a reality, saying:
"Many people have worked so hard over the years to try and establish an Ilkley parkrun so all credit to them - and now Hattie and the core team for getting it over the line.
"You can't underestimate the difference this could make - helping people get active, whether that's running or walking. It will also encourage many others to give up their time to volunteer and see the multiple benefits that come from that. The whole town gets a boost too, with many people potentially visiting Ilkley for the first time to see what a special place it is."
Rebecca Fay, is a local runner and volunteer:
“parkrun is a brilliant, welcoming space. I love running but volunteering has allowed me to meet new people and support others”
[Ilkley parkrun volunteers]
Linda Marshall, is a volunteer who started parkrunning over 15 years ago and absolutely loves it:
“It’s great for runners of all abilities and walking is encouraged for those who don’t run - no-one is ever last (that’s the tailwalker’s job). It’s great to take part in your local parkrun if you are lucky to have one (and how wonderful that we now have one in Ilkley), but there are many more to choose from throughout the UK and beyond. The best thing about parkrun is the sense of community - I love volunteering and the opportunity to meet new people and cheer people on”
Volunteer Mary Pegington said:
“It's been so much fun being part of the core team setting up the parkrun for Ilkley. I really enjoy supporting walkers and runners doing their 5km and hope we can encourage lots more people in staying fit and active”
To find out more about the East Holmes Field parkrun and to register, visit the event's webpage at www.parkrun.org.uk/eastholmesfield/
The latest news will be posted on the East Holmes Field parkrun Facebook page at www.facebook.com/eastholmesfieldparkrun
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