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08
Oct
Harrogate and Knaresborough’s Liberal Democrat MP has tabled a parliamentary motion celebrating Parkrun’s 20th anniversary.
Mr Gordon regularly takes part in Harrogate’s weekly five kilometre parkrun on the Stray. It is one of hundreds of similar free runs that take place across the country at 9am every Saturday morning.
Locally, weekly parkruns occur at Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough and at Fountains Abbey near Ripon, as well as on the Stray.
Parkrun started 20 years ago at Bushy Park in the London borough of Richmond and the organisation now organises timed 5k events in 20 different countries.
The events, which are overseen by volunteers, are open to anyone regardless of age, ability or background.
The motion notes the health benefits parkrun brings to communities and calls on the government to support grassroots physical activity initiatives that contribute to healthier and more connected communities across the UK.
Mr Gordon said parkrun had had an "incredibly positive impact on communities across the UK and around the world".
He added:
I wanted to table this motion to recognise the positive impact that Parkrun has had on so many lives and communities over the last 20 years. It is a great testament to the dedication of its volunteers that it has reached this milestone.
Thank you in particular to those in my constituency who give up their Saturday mornings to help run the Harrogate and Knaresborough events.
The massive, positive impact of Parkrun has been extended to Harrogate as well, with the weekly parkrun on the Stray. This is always a highlight of my week, and something that I find extremely valuable.
Tom Gordon celebrating Parkrun's 20th anniversary
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