What's a running blog without a mention of park run

In 2012 the London Olympics set to "inspire a generation" - well if you head down to your local park on a Saturday you absolutely see that in action. Hundreds of men, women and children making their way around a 5km (3 mile) course.

At my local run in Basingstoke there are regularly 500 plus people attending in all weathers PLUS the huge amount of volunteers who are there to ensure the event is run smoothly.

I'm presuming everybody has heard of park run but if not, and according to their Website , park run

Organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.

It may be easy to see the word run and dismiss the event as you're "not a runner" but let me assure you, these events are for every single type of ability you could wish to imagine (as my video hopefully shows)

The wonderful Hook Runners at Basingstoke park run

Now the last thing I want to do is make it sound like it's easy to go out and run 5k BUT if you want to set yourself a goal, it's the perfect environment for you to challenge yourself - relaxed, motivational, safe and free.

So if you feel inspired..

• Visit the park run website and register
• PRINT OFF YOUR BARCODES - YOU NEED THEM SO THEY CAN REGISTER YOUR TIME
• Grab a couple of friends and pick a Saturday in a few months time where you will do it as a group
• Download the Strava App, Endomondo App or follow the NHS Couch to 5K to set your training plan
• Get ou there and do it!

I really hope this has given some sort of insight into how relaxed and welcoming a park run is. Please, give it a go and comment below with your progress