RUNNERS and walkers from across the country met in Stonehouse for the launch of the town's weekly Parkrun.
Around 160 people came along to complete the 5km run around Oldends Lane playing field, including runners with dogs and with prams, and veteran runner Tony Christmas with his son, Lee.
The free weekly event was set up with the help of funding from Gloucestershire County Council's Active Together fund, after cllr Lesley Williams (Labour, Stonehouse) requested cash for the project.
Runners of all ages from Crawley, Croyden, Swindon, Cirencester, Stockport and Stoke Gifford all landed in Stonehouse for the inaugural event.
John Tierney, event director, said: "It was amazing.
"We had good weather and a great turn-out with runners with a range of abilities."
All abilities are welcome to join in the weekly Parkrun, and people can walk, jog or run at the event which starts at 9am every Saturday near the play area.
Participants just need to register before turning up. They can have their time recorded and displayed on the Parkrun website.
After the run, the group meets for a coffee in The Pavilion, Oldends Lane.
The course is run on a mixture of grass and gravel paths.
Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or appropriate adult.
Participants are encouraged to arrive by foot, by pedal-power or by public transport if possible, to help to reduce the impact on the park and the planet.
To find out more visit parkrun.org.uk/stonehouse.
Pictures Simon Pizzey.
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