Bright start for Portsmouth's new parkrun

The new 5k run takes place at Lakeside, North Harbour, Western Road – it be on every Saturday at 9am and is free to take part.

Julian Manning, of Denmead Striders, was the first runner to finish the new parkrun as he recorded a time of 16.28.

Sam Costley, of Southampton, was next (17.07) with Denmead’s Jon Sullivan third (17.14).

The first finisher from Portsmouth Joggers, who are based at Lakeside for club nights, was Pete Collins in fourth (17.18).

Hedge End’s Karen Andrews finished first lady and 18th overall in 19.47.

Winchester’s Karen Rushton was second lady (21.49) and third was Zoe Gill (23.01).

The event team received lots of positive feedback, making all the hard work to set up the new event worth it.

They are looking for volunteers to help with this Saturday’s run and upcoming weeks.

The parkruns are free to enter - to take part you register on the website, then print out your barcode and get it scanned when you finish the run. They are for people of all abilities and are very supportive, friendly events.

The course starts adjacent to the Lakeside North Harbour business complex, near to the short-stay car park.

Every week the parkrun volunteers and runners grab a post parkrun coffee in Starbucks.

The first event attracted runners from many clubs including Reading, Wimbledon, Poole, Salisbury,

For more information see the website for the Portsmouth Lakeside parkrun