'Parkrun saved my life'

Ian Parris has taken part in parkruns in more than 100 different locations

A runner who joined his local Parkrun to improve his lifestyle said it had saved his life as the organisation celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Ian Parris, from Colchester in Essex, went to his first Parkrun at High Woods Country Park in 2019 after his wife suggested it to him.

Now, five years on, the 47-year-old has completed more than 200 of the free, weekly 5km (3.1 miles) runs in more than 100 different locations.

"It's incredible," he said. "It really has saved my life… I was about three stone (19kg) heavier than I am now. I was very unhealthy, mentally as well."

Mr Parris has since joined his local running club, where he is a run leader.

He will be among the runners celebrating Parkrun's 20th anniversary at events around the world on Saturday.

The first event was held on 2 October 2004 at Bushy Park in London, where organiser Paul Sinton-Hewitt was joined by 13 runners.

About 200,000 runners, walkers and joggers take part every Saturday across more than 900 locations in the UK.

Tania Stacey's daughter Annamae often joins her at Parkrun

Tania Stacey, also from Colchester, had only recently started running when a friend told her about Parkrun in 2017.

"I started running to try and find myself because I'd just had children and I needed to do something for myself, so I wanted to get healthier, and that's what happened," she said.

"Parkrun is one of the best things I've ever done and I'll always say it's for any ability. Anyone can go along."

Ms Stacey has now completed more than 250 parkruns across more than 50 locations and said she "loved every single one of them", even when she had to take part with crutches and a moon boot after suffering an injury.

She said her children often joined her on adventures across the country, exploring new Parkrun events.

"It's given me confidence to do things I never thought I could do," she added.

According to Parkrun, almost 40,000 people volunteer each week at more than 2,200 weekly events across 23 countries.