A VOLUNTEER has spoken of the benefits of participating in Basingstoke's parkrun, which attracts hundreds of people weekly. 

Parkrun Basingstoke takes place every Saturday at 9am at War Memorial Park, and gives runners the opportunity to run 5k along a mixture of grass, woodland and tarmac paths.

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Avi Govind, who is 45 and lives in Basingstoke, volunteers at the parkrun. He said: "On average, our parkrun here in Basingstoke has around 400 people taking part every week. There is no limit on age and no time limit either – everyone is welcome to come along, have a go and do it at their own speed. You don’t even have to run it.

“It’s good exercise, which gets lots of people out and about in the morning, in the fresh air, seeing people, doing what they can to keep in shape." 

He continued: “Particularly in the early part of the year when everyone’s keen to get fit, it’s the perfect time to come along and see what we’re all about. It’s a good community at the event and an opportunity to socialise as well.”

Lots of groups utilise parkrun and aim to make it inclusive for everyone.

“We get all sorts on our runs,” Avi said. “Lots of local running clubs come along, and people of various ages, walkers, runners, even dogs.

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“We also have guide runners, so if anyone who is visually impaired would like to participate, they can."

Avi said that one runner, Tony Nicholls, who is visually impaired, also completed more than 250 parkruns. 

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“To sign up is free of charge,” Avi continued. “All you need to do is register. After this you get given a barcode, which you need to bring along to the parkrun. The barcode is used to track your time around the course. From this, the volunteers at the event will get you set up.”

Basingstoke parkrun has around 30 volunteers every week, who help keep the event running smoothly and safely. Amongst the volunteers are several students, volunteering through the Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Avi added: “The best way to get in touch is by emailing basingstoke@parkrun.com. People will be able to register, get in contact about volunteering, and if they have any further queries, be put in touch with the appropriate persons organising the event.”