YORK'S third weekly parkrun was launched today - at the fourth attempt.

The New Earswick parkrun took place in glorious sunshine, in stark contrast to the last three Saturdays when its launch has had to be repeatedly postponed due to heavy rain and waterlogged ground.

About 100 runners, young and old, took part in the run around fields at New Earswick Sports Club off White Rose Avenue, with Jonny Reep finishing first.

The event offers people living on the northern side of York the chance to go for a weekly 5k run every Saturday morning at 9 am.

It comes after the city's first parkrun on Knavesmire celebrated its sixth anniversary in January, on the same day as a second such run was launched at York Sport Village, Heslington.

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.

The New Earswick run's director Simon Middleton told runners before the start: "Hopefully it will become a very healthy addiction for you!"

He thanked Knavesmire Harriers and City of York Council for helping with funding to get the run off the ground, and 15 to 20 volunteers who had turned up to help ensure the run could take place safely.

He said it was free to take part but with runners asked to register before their first run, to ensure they were given a time for their run.

"It offers an opportunity for all the local community, male or female, young or old, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy this beautiful park and get physically active into the bargain.," he said."We want to encourage people to jog or run together irrespective of their ability."