Plans are under way for a new Saturday morning 5km parkrun at Cockington Country Park in Torquay, creating a free community event within walking distance of around 10,000 local residents.
Initially funded by Torbay Council, the event will encourage more people to be active, meet others and enjoy the outdoors, whether they’re taking their first steps into physical activity, aiming for a personal best or simply looking for a positive start to the weekend.
With further details set to be revealed over the coming weeks, the new course will showcase Cockington’s natural surroundings, with an even mixture of smooth tarmac and gravel trails winding through woodland, creating a scenic and enjoyable route for walkers and runners of all abilities.
There is no pressure to be fast, and participants can walk, jog or run at their own pace. There’s also a dedicated tail walker, ensuring no one has to worry about being the last person to finish.
The new event will also be dog friendly, with those taking part able to bring one dog on a short, hand-held lead, in line with parkrun guidelines.
Following the event, participants will be encouraged to visit nearby cafés and independent businesses for a coffee, breakfast and a chat — helping to create a new Saturday morning community tradition while also supporting local businesses.
The new event aims to build on the success of Torbay Velopark parkrun in Paignton. Now approaching its 10-year anniversary, the fast, flat, closed-road tarmac Velopark course has become a firm favourite with residents and visitors to the English Riviera.
Since launching on New Year’s Eve 2016 with 396 participants, the event has welcomed around 120,000 finishers and become a thriving hub for community participation, welcoming residents, visitors, volunteers, blind runners and young people completing Duke of Edinburgh’s Award volunteering.
Councillor Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture and Events, and Corporate Services said: “I’m delighted that we are supporting the creation of another parkrun in Torbay, giving people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to connect with others, get active and enjoy our beautiful, natural environment.
“Parkrun is so much more than just running, it encourages community and volunteering, supports wellbeing, and helps people to build healthy habits in a welcoming and accessible environment. The success of the Velopark event in Paignton has shown the incredibly positive impact that it can have, and I’m excited to see this opportunity extended to even more of our residents and visitors in Torquay soon.”
For the new Torquay parkrun to become a permanent part of the community, are looking to build a team of local volunteers. Those interested can contact torbay.move@torbay.gov.uk.
