THE first parkrun event in Monmouthshire was held on Saturday morning with runners from across Wales and the wider UK descending on Caldicot for the race.

One-hundred-and-thirty runners ran the 5k distance between Caldicot and Rogiet on July 29, while 21 volunteers marshalled the route and helped record the times.

Each of the Gwent boroughs now has at least one parkrun event – Blaenau Gwent: Parc Bryn Bach; Caerphilly: Penallta; Newport: Riverfront and Tredegar House and Torfaen: Cwmbran and Pontypool.

Helen James, the run director for the seventh Gwent parkrun said “Delighted to see the first run, great turn out and lovely to see lots of tourists.”

Athletes from as far away as Croydon and Poole hopped over the Severn for the free weekly run, while Welsh runners from Pontypridd travelled down to the nation’s most south-easterly event.

The Caldicot team were aided by volunteers as young as four for their first event and have been supported by parkrun ambassador Fiona Cross, who helped establish the Torfaen runs.

“This is a great example of the community and council working together,” said Ms Cross.

“Thanks to their drive and determination the community can now enjoy this free weekly run, jog, walk or volunteer.

“Well done to all involved in establishing this event.”

Ian Saunders, the head of tourism, leisure, culture and youth for Monmouthshire County Council, said: “This has been a fantastic outcome for local volunteers to delivery such a professional opportunity in their local community.

“We know the importance of regular physical activity, the parkrun gives everybody the possibility to take part, whether that be to walk or run.”

“The weekly parkrun will enable local friends and families to take part and achieve something together.

“More than 120 people took part in the event and some had travelled across the country to experience the first parkrun for Monmouthshire.”

Visit parkrun.org.uk/caldicot or email caldicotoffice@parkrun.com for more information.