Park event a runaway success for all

And theyre off: Around 260 runners took part in the Guild-inspired event

Around 260 people limbered up for a 5km route around Avenham Park in the Bank Holiday Monday sunshine.

The race was preceded by a one-mile family fun run which attracted 43 runners.

Organiser Shane Cliffe, who trains with Red Rose Road Runners, said he had wanted to build a legacy for the races held in Avenham Park during last year’s Preston Guild.

Shane, of Penwortham, said: “The Guild event was so good for Preston so it was decided we would put it on this year.

“The park is beautiful and it’s great for new runners to come and get a feel for it.

“The park rangers really helped out and we had the cafe as our headquarters.”

Shane added he hoped the race would continue each year until the next Guild in 2032.

Competitors included Miss Preston Guild Mary-Kate McKay and two teams from Spar, whose Penwortham shop sponsored the t-shirts handed out to athletes.