Over 130 runners turned up this week at Cwmbran Boating Lake to test out the new route for the town’s parkrun.
Since the first Cwmbran event in 2016, 327 runs have been organised with the support of over 850 volunteers. An average of 200 runners cross the start and finish line every Saturday in Northfields.
But now the organisers have moved the start and finish line to Cwmbran Boating Lake to make it easier for participants to access toilets and a cafe to socialise after exercising.
It’s taken some time to plan and organise the move. Earlier this week, over 130 runners from local clubs Griffithstown Harriers, Fairwater Runners, Caerleon Running Club, Pont-y-Pwl and District Runners, and Cwmbran Easypacers met at the new start line to test the route.
Parkrun is free, weekly, timed 5k run, jog or walk that starts at 9am every Saturday.
Colin Wilmott, event director, said: “It was felt now was the time to move to the Boating Lake with its excellent cafe and toilet facilities.
“It has taken a little while to put this in place as the volunteers had to first obtain the council’s permission for the change as landowners and then seek approval from Parkrun UK.
“This involved officially measuring the new route, carrying out a revised risk assessment and updating the Parkrun website. The Boathouse Cafe has been very helpful. They have agreed to open the cafe and toilets at 8.30am on a Saturday and have arranged access to the boat house for storage of Parkrun signage and hi-viz jackets.
“We’re looking forward to moving to the new route which takes in a lap of the lake at the start before going down the railway line side of the Southfields, then going under the road towards the Northfields before turning back the same way, with another lap of the lake and finishing alongside the cafe.
“We are hoping the move will encourage new participants and volunteers to join us. The core team are always looking for new people to help with the various volunteer roles needed each week.”
Volunteer at Cwmbran Parkrun
The 5km event is organised by volunteers – email [email protected] to help.
Watch a video of the new route for Cwmbran Parkrun
For more information go to visit the Cwmbran Parkrun website.