MANSFIELD — A thick blanket of snow covered the Richland B&O Trail early Saturday morning at Mansfield’s North Lake Park.
As snow continued to fall and temperatures hovered around 20 degrees, about 20 brave runners gathered at the park’s indoor pavilion slightly before 9 a.m.
Saturday marked the 8th anniversary of the Mansfield parkrun group. Participants meet at North Lake Park every Saturday for a free, non-competitive 5K run/walk.
The group is open to all ages and abilities. Mansfield parkrun begins Saturdays at 9 a.m. from October to April. The run/walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September.
Since its founding by Karen and Steve Crane, Mansfield parkrun has hosted 326 events in the city — including Saturday morning’s 5K. Nearly 1,200 individuals have finished one of the group’s events since Mansfield parkrun began. Through 325 events, more than 10,000 participants have crossed the finish line.
Saturday’s group included first-time participants, as well as those who have been around since the beginning. Three dogs also completed the brisk winter walk/run.
“I think it’s pretty amazing. Thank you everybody for being a part of this,” Karen Crane, co-founder of Mansfield parkrun, told participants Saturday morning.
Crane also discussed the group’s gratitude regarding its use of the park’s indoor pavilion, which is climate-controlled and includes recently updated restrooms.
“The support has been amazing because otherwise, we’d just be out there (outdoors),” she said.
Furthermore, At-large Mansfield Councilman David Falquette, also a Mansfield parkrun participant, brought a proclamation from Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry in recognition of the group’s anniversary.
Healthier and happier
Since 2017, Mansfield parkrun has set a mission to make the world healthier and happier.
Founded in the United Kingdom by Paul Sinton-Hewitt in 2004, parkrun has expanded into an international family of more than 9 million registered park-runners. Free events take place each Saturday and Sunday in 23 countries across the globe.
Perry’s proclamation said parkrun is “all about inclusiveness and well-being.”
“It doesn’t matter how fast you go, as it is you against the clock, and it can really be whatever you want it to be, whether for fun or as part of a training plan,” the proclamation said.
Folks may also attend as a spectator or to offer their assistance as a volunteer.
Nearly 200 individuals have worked as a volunteer since Mansfield parkrun’s founding. It takes about five volunteers to operate an event.
No matter one’s age or ability, Crane said she encourages everyone to attend a parkrun event and join in the camaraderie.
Those interested may click here to register for Mansfield parkrun.
(Below are more photos from Mansfield parkrun’s 8th anniversary run/walk on Saturday at Mansfield’s North Lake Park.)
