It started with 134 participants on January 21, 2012 and now regularly attracts 300 to 400 people each week.

Harrogate Parkrun, which will take place for the 500th time on Saturday, has become a staple part of weekend life for many people.

It happens every Saturday on the Stray at 9am, except in extremely bad weather and during covid.

With its emphasis on fun and community, it has helped thousands of people get fit and have fun. Many non-runners attempting the couch to 5k challenge start by walking the route, then jogging parts of it and eventually running the entire distance.

The highest Harrogate Parkrun entry so far was 625 on March 2, 2019.

Parkruns have sprung up elsewhere in the Harrogate district at Fountains Abbey near Ripon and at Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough.

The last decade has also seen a flourishing of other informal local running groups, such as the Early Bird Running Crew, to help average people who might feel intimidated by joining a club enjoy the benefits of running.

Asked why it has become so popular, Mike Kaye, who regularly runs and volunteers as a marshal on the Stray, said:

“First of all it’s free. Secondly it has a big community feel. It’s also one of the best things for mental wellbeing.

“You don’t have to run Parkrun. You can just walk if you want to.”

There will be balloons and cake to mark this weekend’s milestone event.

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