King's Lynn parkrun to celebrate 70 years of the NHS
A weekly run in Lynn is to hold a special event to celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS.
King's Lynn parkrun, which is held every Saturday at 9am in The Walks, will be one of hundreds of parkruns in the UK to host such an event on Saturday, June 9.
The initiative, known as 'parkrun for the NHS', aims to recognise the contribution of the NHS to the health of the nation and to inspire people to take part in physical activity and volunteering.
On June 9, runners who work within the NHS are taking on each of the parkun volunteer roles, which enables the event to take place, and have been supported by Lynn's Queen Elizabeth Hospital who are providing each of them with a specially desgined birthday anniversary t-shirt.
To help celebrate, other parkrunners are being encouraged to walk/run in hospital-themed fancy dress.
Gary Walker, event director of King's Lynn parkrun, said: "We have already had a great response from NHS staff who are turning out to support the anniversary event as volunteers and we are hoping that many more will turn out to run or walk the course to receive a well-earned round of applause for the incredible contribution they make to our community.
"If there’s one thing we know how to do at King’s Lynn parkrun it’s how to host a party - and everyone is invited!
“parkrun is a friendly, welcoming event that provides a perfect opportunity to get out in the fresh air to socialise and be physically active in a very supportive environment.”
The ‘parkrun for the NHS’ initiative is being supported by Dame Kelly Holmes, a regular parkrunner who worked as a nursing assistant before going into the British Army and later becoming a full-time athlete.
She said: “Increased levels of activity leads to improved mood, self-esteem and a wide range of health benefits.
"I know from first-hand experience how sociable and welcoming parkruns are, so it’s fantastic to see it join forces with the NHS in its 70th year to encourage even more people to get active in this special year.”
King's Lynn parkrun is a free 5k event, managed entirely by volunteers,and is open to walkers and runners of all ages and abilities.
The event starts at the cafe at The Walks every Saturday, and a junior parkun, a 2k children's run, also takes place at 9am on Sunday mornings.
To find out more, go to www.parkrun.org.uk/kingslynn.
