Bradford to host 'unique' art running event

Four local Parkruns are incorporating art into their morning run

A unique event combining running with art is taking place in Bradford later.

'The Art of Running' is hosted by Baildon Runners and will incorporate creative art hubs at four local Parkruns.

It is part of Bradford 2025, and is the only running event in the UK City of Culture programme.

Event co-ordinator Jackie Walters said the aim was to "promote running, exercise, fresh air and how beautiful the parks are".

"People have said to me, 'running is not culture'. Well, yes, it is.

"Running, in particular fell running, is very much part of northern culture.

"Thousands of people also turn out every Saturday morning to do the Parkrun, especially in Bradford where they've got several."

The events will take place at the Roberts Park, Lister Park, Horton Park and Bowling Park Parkruns.

After finishing, runners will be invited to take part in run-themed artwork led by Bradford 2025 Patch Producers, who are a creative team working directly with local communities as part of City of Culture.

Groups will then also run a leg of a park-to-park route, running from one park to another and contributing to the artwork upon their arrival, with distances ranging between 2 and 6.5 miles (3 to 10km).

Ms Walters added: "There'll be Parkrunners taking part, park-to-park runners taking part, and everyone who's in the park that day will be invited to take part as well, to draw, paint or stick something on.

"We're hoping to create a piece of art that might be a permanent feature somewhere and to interest people in running too."

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