A free weekly running event in Southwold celebrated its first birthday with a visit from Olympian Paul Evans – and champagne, cake and snacks were provided to mark the occasion.
The Great Run Local Southwold is aimed at beginners and non-runners who can jog or walk the one mile course and progress to the three-mile course, starting on the common.
The aim is to provide residents in the town and surrounding communities with an opportunity to take part in a safe and organised running event that provides the participants with an enjoyable and rewarding running experience.
When it began in Southwold a year ago, the scheme was the first of its kind in the south of England.
Great Run Local uses a unique timing device through a mobile phone app which is used by the organiser to time the run and to tag each runner as they finish using their free wristband.
Jane Samkin, who set up the event with fellow organiser Saffron Bray, said: 'It was a really good morning, even though the Latitude festival was on, we still had over 30 people turn up.
'We have been here every week for a year and it is run by the community for the community.
'My husband has always been a runner and I teach fitness classes but I am not a natural runner and for some people to run or walk a mile is major milestone.
Ms Samkin, who lives in nearby Wrentham, also emphasised the health benefits the weekly event, which is attended by people as young as five with the oldest competitor still going strong at the age of 81.
'A lot of people take part and are really enthusiastic and help other people along the way,' Ms Samkin added.
'It's amazing to see the change in people after they have achieved something.'
Ben Jackson, sports development officer at Suffolk Sport, said: 'Jane, Saffron and the team of volunteers have provided a fun and social opportunity for the local community to come together.
'It has been fantastic to see the number of encouraging comments on the Facebook page making it easy for anyone to come along and give the run a try.'
For more details and to register for free, visit: www.greatrunlocal.org
Are you celebrating an important milestone? Email: joe.randlesome@archant.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here