RUNNERS were joined by medical personnel on Saturday last week.

As part of the ‘parkrun for the NHS’ initiative, people participating in the weekly Basingstoke parkrun were celebrating 70 years of the healthcare service.

Runners were encouraged to dress up as doctors, nurse as well as healthcare workers being urged to take part in the event, which went through the War Memorial Park.

With growing levels of obesity in adults and children being a major health issue for the NHS, the ‘parkrun for the NHS’ is a great opportunity to get outside and get some exercise.

To mark 70 years of the NHS organisations up and down the country are hosting events to say “thank you” to the service.

To find out more visit england.nhs.uk/nhs70.