VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help a new weekly run in Minehead get off the ground.

Parkrun organise free weekly five-kilometre timed runs in the UK and around the world, and they always take place on Saturday mornings between 9 and 10am and are open to everyone, free and are safe.

There are already some 20 parkruns in the South West and they are not only popular with local communities of all age groups and abilities but also with “parkrun tourists” who like to take part in as many UK events as possible over a 12-month period.

Under 11s can run with an adult, newcomers can walk or run at their own pace, people can bring their dogs so that they can benefit as well – and the planned flat seafront course for Minehead will be suitable for wheelchair users.

SASP ( Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership ) is applying to parkrun to co-ordinate the Minehead event, which would start in April or May – but they need to gather a volunteer force to help with the running.

“To organise the event each week throughout the year will need a large number of volunteers to help organise, marshal, time keep and write reports,” said SASP interim enterprise director Colin Johnson.

“Volunteers make the event free to take part in. They can be of any age, parents, grandparents or often keen runners who realise that the event cannot happen without helpers and offer to help every so often.

“The event cannot start without the volunteer workforce.”

If you would like to help to get Minehead parkrun off the ground, youn should call or email event director Graham Collins - 01643 704765 or [email protected] - and a core team meeting for volunteers will be arranged.

If you would like to find out more about parkrun, visit www.parkrun.org.uk