KEIGHLEY’S brand-new parkrun has been hailed a success.

More than 450 people took part in the inaugural Cliffe Castle Park event on Saturday.

And volunteer organisers say they are delighted with the feedback.

Free, timed five-kilometre parkruns are staged at nearly 550 locations across the UK – and in 20 countries worldwide.

They take place at 9am every Saturday.

Keighley event directors, David and Carol Senior, pay tribute to all those who supported the town’s opening parkrun.

“It just shows how Keighley people give their backing to a local project – it was wonderful to see such a huge turnout,” said Mrs Senior.

“We had so many people saying how they enjoyed it and that they would be returning next week.”

Mr Senior said many people had commented that it was their first visit to Cliffe Castle, and how impressed they were.

He added: “We’ve also been approached by local GPs who want to include parkrun as part of their health and fitness programmes.

“When you mention running, many people think of their school cross country and are put off, but that’s not what we’re about. Parkrun gets you out in the fresh air and makes you feel good about yourself.”

He thanked the team of volunteers which helped put on the event and Skipton parkrun for its help and advice.

Among those present on Saturday was Keighley MP John Grogan.

He said: “It was a great opening morning for the Keighley parkrun.

“Running up the hill on each of the three laps – and then the incline towards the finish right in front of the magnificent Cliffe Castle – was a good test.

“What could be a better way to start off a Saturday than a challenging run followed by a coffee at Cliffe Castle cafe with a good view over the hills?”

Also in attendance was Keighley’s team rector, the Rev Mike Cansdale.

“It’s fantastic to see parkrun come to Keighley – it shows off Cliffe Castle Park at its best and is another good news story for the town,” he said.

Parkruns are open to people of all ages and abilities.

When registering online, people are given a barcode which they then take along to the event. The barcode is scanned at the finish and each participant later receives their time.

For more details and to register, visit parkrun.org.uk/cliffecastle.