A GLOBAL running event which sees hundreds of people pull on their trainers in York every Saturday is preparing to double in size.

The popular Parkrun around the Knavesmire regularly attracts between 500 and 700 runners of all abilities, as they come together to take part in a free 5km run, jog or walk from 9am each Saturday.

Its popularity has continued to rise since the first York event was held in January 2012, and from January 13 next year, a new route will be made available for early rising runners at York Sport Village, in Lakeside Way.

Heslington Parkrun has been set up to give people on the other side of the city a chance to run closer to home and will take place around the centre’s cycle circuit and the University of York’s Heslington East campus.

Emily Hearle, one of the event directors, said: “This came about because the Knavesmire Parkrun is huge and we were spoken to about running a second race.

“When they get 700 people they have the space, but it’s a large number and they don’t have the volunteers to help out.

“This is a nice distance across the city and it opens it out to a different demographic in York.”

The first ever organised Parkrun took place in Bushy Park, Teddington in London, in October 2004, and events are now held in 18 countries across five continents, with millions of runners of all abilities welcome to take part.

Heslington Parkrun’s route will take runners along a sturdy track, and organisers say it will making it more accessible than some, and ideal for anyone who wants to push a wheelchair or pushchair around the course.

Emily added: “It’s a 5km route and a manageable distance.

“It’s really inclusive to anyone, whether you are a new runner right up to anyone going for a good time.

“We have volunteers who act as supporters and high-five people as they run or cheer them on, so it’s a really nice community event.

“Even though they are running on roads it’s completely closed to traffic and safe all the way round."

Volunteers are needed to help run the event and marshal the course, and organisers want to hear from anyone who wants to help through the website york-sport.com/parkrun