THE parkrun phenomenon is celebrating its anniversary in Essex after inspiring more than 78,000 people to put on their running shoes.

This will be the eighth year since the community event came to the county, sprouting a total of 21 groups.

Launching 15 years ago, parkrun changed the face of Saturday mornings with free 5km events targeting a community of runners and those aspiring for healthier, more active lifestyles.

Parkruns now take place in more than 650 locations across the UK and create opportunities for all ages and abilities to get involved, battling loneliness and building new friendships.

The oldest parkrun in the district is the Maldon parkrun which launched in 2013 and has inspired more than 7,900 people.

This is followed by Burnham, which launched in 2017 and has more than 1,950 runners, and South Woodham Ferrers, which launched a year later and has more than 2,570 runners.

The groups combined have run an impressive 469,810 kilometres so far.

Jason Fergus, head of Active Essex, said: “We are delighted to have played a significant role to support the set-up of local parkruns and encouraging people of all ages and abilities to take part, which is closely aligned with our strategy to get one million lives active in Essex.

“We would like to say thank you to all of the volunteers and local communities that come together every week to make these parkruns happen, and to the Essex residents who get up early every Saturday morning to take part.”

To find your nearest parkrun, visit bit.ly/parkrun Essex.