A NEW running route, designed to both improve people's health and make better use of a local facility, has officially been opened.

Children from Byron Primary School joined Bradford Bull’s mascot Bullman to launch the Greenline Mile running route at Myra Shay Recreation Ground in Bradford Moor.

The one-mile walking and jogging loop marks out a route around the grounds, between Barkerend Road and Killinghall Road.

Bradford was the first city in the country to see the Greenline Mile groups installed two years ago. England Athletics has invested £30,000 into the project to support the joint work being done by Bradford Athletics Network, Bradford Council’s Public Health department and other Active Bradford Partnership organisations. The goal was to get more people running, jogging or walking on a regular basis.

The other three, mile long routes are on Thornton Road, around Bradford University and College, through Manningham and Lister Park and in Little Germany.

The Greenline Mile is designed to be easy to follow, instantly recognisable due to markets every few feet, and generally accessible to everyone.

Myra Shay, a recreation ground with football pitches, a cricket pitch and play area, has several primary schools on its route, Lapage School, Delius School, Bradford Moor School, Killinghall School and Byron School.

It is hoped that with the new trail being so close to schools, it will encourage children and parents to exercise more before and after school.

Councillor Val Slater, Deputy Leader of Bradford Council and portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: "It’s amazing what a brisk ten minute jog or walk can do for your health. We all need to be more active and this Greenline mile is an ideal starting point for people to get moving.

“Because it’s a measured mile you can start at your own pace and build up the amount of exercise you do over time.

"We all have a role to play in making sure people in Bradford have better and healthier lives. Getting outside, being active and enjoying the Myra Shay is one way local residents can stay healthy and improve their own lives."

John Dennis, from Bradford Athletics Network and Active Bradford said: "We’re hoping the whole community comes to together to find their own use for this important Bradford resource, one of several initiatives that comes under the current RunBradford banner.

"This route links several schools around the Myra Shay which will hopefully encourage children and their parents to be more active."