A RECORD number of runners turned up at Hereford Racecourse on Saturday to celebrate Hereford parkrun's first birthday.

The weekly event involves people from all ages and abilities participate in a 5km run, with points awarded for where you finish, how many runs you take part in and if you beat your personal best time.

"We had 168 people on Saturday, which is the most we have ever had," said Hereford parkrun director Barbara Spanjers.

"We have over 1,400 people registered and regularly have between 100 and 120 people take part.

"It started a year ago and takes place every Saturday at 9am.

"It is 5km, which is just about right because it's not too far for some people, but at the same time serious enough for people who want to have a decent run.

"We had some people at the back who stopped and walked, but that doesn't matter, because it's a run not a race."

Charlotte Godsall was named top lady of the year, with Carole Hooper and Jane Stewart claiming second and third respectively.

Top man went to Paul Saville, with Kevin Rowe finishing second and Mark Watkins third.

The top female and male juniors were Emily Godsall and Isaac Williams respectively, with Rachel Lattey making the most appearances.

The volunteer of the year was Nick Lattey, with Sarah Down claiming the Hereford parkrun Inspiration Award.

"Sarah started running a year ago and couldn't run, she had to walk," added Spanjers.

"But she has lost a stone and a half and now volunteers.

"She is really encouraging and inspirational."

Spanjers said she set up Hereford parkrun after seeing a similar event in London.

Other runners who took part were Debbie Drake and Irene Hewings, who entered as part of a charity run from Torquay to Torbay.

The pair were raising money for Torbay Holiday Helpers.

"I thought, what a great idea," she said.

"I got in touch with parkrun and was told I needed to pay a start-up fee and have a route on park land that will give permission to use.

"It took eight months to get it set up."

The Great Western Way was initially used before the group moved to the racecourse due to more members signing up.

"As long as you're four years old, you can just come along and run because it's free," said Spanjers.

"The oldest person we have had was 82 and the youngest four.

"We've even had parents pushing their children in pushchairs."

To ensure your time is recorded, you need to register online and print off a barcode that is scanned upon arrival.

See parkrun.org.uk/hereford/ for more information.