Why not kick off a new year with a new you?
Whether you want to shed a few pounds, increase your activity levels or volunteer at an exciting new local event the Levengrove Park parkrun could help meet your New Year’s Resolutions.
The park is now host to an official weekly parkrun event which takes place every Saturday at 9.30am.
parkrun is a global movement providing a free, weekly, timed 5K for walkers and runners in local parks all around the world.
The concept is simple: turn up every Saturday morning for a walk, jog or run. It doesn’t matter how fast you go. It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing. What matters is taking part – and it’s free!
If you want to get involved but walking or running is not your thing there are also numerous roles for volunteers.
A core group of local volunteers have worked together over the last year to bring parkrun to the area to help support people’s health and wellbeing.
Thanks to their hard work plus investment from West Dunbartonshire Council, the new event officially launched in December and nearly 500 runners have taken part in the first five runs.
Speaking on behalf of the core team behind Levengrove parkrun, Co-Event Director David Kennedy said: “What is so great about parkrun is that everyone is welcome regardless of age, pace or ability. The event is family-friendly and dog-friendly too.
“It’s also as much about the social side of things and community spirit as it is about the activity, which is just as important to people’s physical health and wellbeing.
“Some of our volunteers don’t run at all but just want to get involved in something positive for the area. It’s a really friendly, supportive group and we’d love to welcome more volunteers. As with running and walking, you don’t have commit to volunteering every week, you can just sign up to come along and help out on the weeks you are free.
“We’ve had some lovely feedback so far and we’re looking forward to seeing the event grow over the coming months and years.”
The parkrun route takes in three laps of Levengrove Park, including views of Dumbarton Castle and the River Clyde.
Volunteers are on hand to guide and cheer on runners and walkers along the route which ends handily close to the Pavillion Café for a post-event coffee and catch up.
Councillor Iain McLaren, Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development at West Dunbartonshire Council said: “As a Council we are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our residents, as well as encouraging them to enjoy our numerous green spaces.
“I know parkrun is a popular event throughout Scotland, and indeed across the world, so I am glad to see it starting up in Levengrove Park, where I am sure it will be extremely successful.
“Runners and walkers can enjoy the fantastic scenery along the route, which will also take in all the heritage features in the park, and the Pavillion Café will be open for a well-earned treat afterwards.”