RUNNERS will be out in force today to celebrate the first anniversary of a global fitness scheme coming to Oxford.

The parkrun scheme has been running, if you pardon the pun, in Oxford for a year. It is a worldwide initiative where free, weekly 5km timed runs are organised by local volunteers.

And the runs, which take place around Cutteslowe Park, are designed to be open to everyone, free and are safe and easy to take part in.

Regular parkrunner Maria Keenan said: “Oxford parkrun has really inspired and motivated me to get in shape and run faster than I ever have at 44 years of age.

“Without Oxford parkrun I’d probably be sat on the couch stuffing down crisps and chocolate most nights.”

The parkrun scheme is supported by Oxford City Council and Get Oxfordshire Active and the first Oxford parkrun was held on Saturday, November 5, 2011.

Since then more than 1,000 people have registered and joined in, including people of all abilities and ages, from under-10s to over-70s.

Collectively the parkrunners have completed 3,371 runs covering a total distance of 16,855km, which is slightly more than running from Oxford to Adelaide.

City councillor Mark Lygo, executive member for sport and parks, said: “Parkrun is a fantastic initiative and it is great that Oxford City Council and GO Active are able to support something that offers people of all ages the chance to get active in the great outdoors, and it’s all free.

“I think it is important that recognition is given to the volunteers that kindly give up their time every Saturday morning to make parkrun happen.”

This weekend runners are invited to join in the normal run around Cutteslowe Park at 9am.

As well as the regular run, those parkrunners that want to try for their personal best will be given a pacemaker and there will be a prize giving ceremony for the Oxford park-run annual points prize.

For those who want to jog more often, or are new to jogging and want to join a fun, beginners group, then there is plenty more on offer in Oxford through the Get Oxfordshire Active and Active Women projects.