Dame Kelly Holmes completes parkrun challenge

Dame Kelly Holmes took part in the Jersey parkrun on Saturday

Retired British athlete Dame Kelly Holmes has completed a parkrun challenge in Jersey.

Dame Kelly, who is also a TV personality, said she attended events in Jersey and thought she would take part in the 5km (3.1 miles) event which takes place at Les Quennevais Sports Centre.

She said: "I am a bit competitive and there's a challenge in parkrun called the alphabet challenge."

"Alphabeters" are enthusiasts who seek to finish parkruns starting with all 26 letters. Dame Kelly said: "All I needed was my J and I got my J."

Dame Kelly said there was a community feel at the Jersey parkrun

Although she is not an official ambassador for parkrun, the UK running group, Dame Kelly said she took part because she enjoyed seeing other people "give it their best".

"We all commit and turn up for ourselves whether that's for our mental health, our physical health, the social interaction or the community.

"We are all doing 5k and it hurts... It's not easy and I love the fact you see all these different people that come with their dogs and babies.

"There's such a community feel."

John Brian said he grew up watching sports and running so it was "fantastic" to meet Dame Kelly

John Brian, who took part in the parkrun, said there was even more of a "buzz" at the Saturday event because Dame Kelly took part.

He said: "It gave everybody a lift."

"I've grown up loving sport, running in particular, so I've watched these legends and to be able to see one in the flesh and say hello is fantastic."

One of the five run directors at the event, Billie Cave, said it was encouraging for all the participants because the event was not just about running but also being apart of the parkrun community.

"We see ourselves as a parkrun family," she added.

Rosie Adamson described the Jersey parkrun as "special"

Rosie Adamson said it was "special" to have run the Jersey 5km parkrun with Ms Holmes.

She also said she would be completing her 300th parkrun before Christmas.

"I never thought I would run a parkrun with Kelly Holmes, it's pretty special," she said.