04.06.18
Participants of parkrun to don NHS attire to celebrate its 70th birthday
More than 85,000 people are expected to celebrate the NHS’s 70th birthday by taking part in a parkrun UK event this Saturday.
The event, which is the first of its kind, is backed by double Olympic gold medalist Dame Kelly Holmes, and will see staff from across the NHS join runners, walkers and volunteers at more than 300 local parkruns across the country.
The 5km parkruns take place across the country on Saturday morning and are open to walkers and runners of all ages and abilities. In recognition of the health service’s birthday, participants are being encouraged to don NHS-themed attire and NHS staff are being encouraged to attend.
It is hoped that the event will encourage new participants to get involved in physical activity to combat obesity, as well as celebrating the treasured NHS.
Ian Dodge, NHS England’s national director of strategy and innovation, said: “We are delighted to have teamed up with parkrun to organise this event.
“The number of parkruns taking part is testament to the pride that people feel for the NHS and its staff. We encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”
Chrissie Wellington, head of health and wellbeing at parkrun, added: “We want to encourage healthcare practitioners to signpost people to parkrun, especially those who are least active and have long term conditions, because we know that participating in parkrun can help improve health and wellbeing.
“parkrun for the NHS is the perfect way for us to increase awareness of parkrun amongst the health service while at the same time paying tribute to the enormous contribution of NHS staff.”
Top image: Gareth Copley/PA Archive/PA Images
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