Olympic gold medallist surprises parkrun stalwart

Parkrun volunteer Tony Kingham was congratulated by Alistair Brownlee

A parkrun stalwart received a surprise on his 500th race with a visit from one of his ex-pupils – Olympic gold medal-winning triathlete Alistair Brownlee.

Tony Kingham has volunteered at the event for 500 races, encouraging runners from the same spot in Lister Park, Bradford, nicknamed "Tony's Corner".

The former teacher got the surprise on Saturday from Brownlee, whom he taught modern languages at Bradford Grammar School.

Mr Kingham is also a coach at athletics club Bingley Harriers, where he helped both Alistair and Jonny Brownlee as well as long-distance runners Richard Nerurkar and Emile Cairess, who finished fourth in the 2024 Paris Olympics Marathon.

He said it was more important than ever to encourage young people to get involved with running.

"It's not just running but anything really that keeps them active," he said.

"They all sit around so much at home looking at iPads, it's great for them to get out and get a chance to get some fresh air.

"And they all enjoy it. That's the great thing about it."

The run was attended by members of athletics club Bingley Harriers

During the 5km (about three-mile) parkrun event, Brownlee stood alongside Mr Kingham, encouraging the runners taking part.

"It's so important to have someone like Tony inspiring young people, and now more than ever," said Mr Brownlee.

"We've got so many challenges in society keeping people active, keeping people healthy, keeping communities going.

"Things like local sport clubs like Bingley Harriers, things like parkrun, are a bedrock of sport and health, but also society and community."

The athlete met runners and members of his old club after the run.

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