A RECORD-BREAKING number of runners helped York Parkrun celebrate its 200th event in style at the Knavesmire.

The 551 people who took part represented the highest number in the free 5km run’s history, stretching back to January 2012.

To mark the occasion, runners stayed behind to enjoy a picnic and reflect on how the event has grown.

York Parkrun, which is supported by York Racecourse and City of York Council, is one of more than 500 taking place on Saturday mornings across the UK.

York Press:

The York event has seen almost 9,000 different people take part, racking up around 270,000km in the process.

Robert Ward, one of the York Parkrun directors, said: “The beauty of York Parkrun is its inclusivity and social element. “The event is run entirely by volunteers, is completely free to take part, and over the years has seen a strong sense of local community forged and great friendships develop.

York Press:

A picnic after the run

“We're 'a run not a race' and everyone is cheered over the line whether first or final finisher.

“We are also perhaps the only event where a start line can comprise of international Olympic athletes - our course record holders are Johnny Brownlee and Laura Weightman - through to runners with dogs, parents pushing children in buggies, and people taking their first brave steps into physical activity having previously been living sedentary lives.

“Parkrun is all about using physical exercise to help develop local communities and make the world a healthier and happier place.”

York Parkrun takes place at 9am on Saturdays. For more information and to register, visit www.parkrun.org.uk/york