Santa prepares for festive run

The festive runners will all be taking part in the weekly free run that starts at 9 am every Saturday in Rother Valley Country Park.

The 5km run began in May this year but this Saturday the runners will be really getting into the festive spirit by donning a variety of costumes and fancy dress.

Organised by volunteers and Park-Run co-ordinator Graham Worsfold, the free event is open to everyone who fancies a breath of fresh air around one of Rotherham's most popular parks.  

Between 40 and 110 runners of all abilities turn up each Saturday.

Beginners start with jogging and walking to get fit while competitive runners go along to try and beat their personal best time for the 5K distance, which is just over three miles.

Anyone wishing to take part should register free of charge on the Park Run website www.parkrun.org.uk/register/form in advance and print off their bar code and bring it with them.

Show the bar code at the gate between 8.30 am and 8.55 am and get free entry to the park.

You will then be required to show the bar code again to the volunteers when you finish to gain a place and a time for your efforts.

The volunteers meet the runners in the Park Stables Café for a post run chat each week. This has become a very social occasion and gives all runners the opportunity to exchange information and make new friends.

For further information on the Park Run at Rother Valley Country Park visit www.parkrun.org.uk/rothervalley/