The 5kn run, ‘Park Run Gold’ was a special version of the regular Park Run Leeds series. Parkrun Leeds is an initiative aimed at increasing the opportunity to both participate and volunteer in physical activity.The series of free, weekly 5km timed runs in Leeds’ Hyde Park was implemented by the University of Leeds Sport & Physical Activity Service and supported by the Sport & Exercise Science department. The University of Leeds has taken an active role in providing an accessible and fun means for students, staff and the local community to come together on a regular basis, enjoy a shared community space and get physically active.

Many new and first-time runners at Park Run Gold brought the total number of individuals who have completed a race to 2,137 – with a cumulative 48,995km having been covered between them! On this occasion there was much more do after the main 5km run. Following the main 5km race was a 1km relay race for under 16s and a 1km wheelchair race. Participants benefitted from free sports massage provided by the University of Leeds Sports Massage team, then children and adults tried out a range of athletics events. The ‘Leeds Gold Heptathlon’ included 60m sprints, standing long jump, foam javelins, mini-hurdles and speed bounce with prizes awarded for the best performances across different age-groups. Coaches were on hand from the University of Leeds, Leeds Metropolitan University and Leeds City Athletics club to instruct and oversee events as well as lead an SAQ circuits session.

The morning was rounded off in relaxed style as everyone was encouraged to stay for a sociable picnic in the park.