CLACTON’S popular seafront park run celebrates its first birthday this weekend – and is looking attract more younger participants.

So far more than 1,400 people have completed a distance of 28,000km over the past 12 months.

The highest number taking part on one day is 156 and organisers hope to break that record on Saturday.

An average of 110 runners join in the timed 5km course along the seafront. The event is free and aim to promote healthier lifestyles.

For many it is not a race and some even walk.

Tendring Council health boss Lynda McWilliams is pleased with the success of park runs in both Clacton and Harwich.

“It is good for families or individuals and not everyone wants to go at the same pace,” she said.

“The idea is to go along and get some exercise appropriate to you, and it can also be very social and a chance to meet other people who enjoy exercise.”

Mrs McWilliams praised the efforts of the volunteers who put on the event each week along with those who act as marshals and timekeepers.

“It is a real community event and Tendring Council is now looking to support a junior park run in both Clacton and Harwich over a shorter course of two kilometres aimed at those from four to 14,” she added.

Clacton Seafront park run takes place this Saturday, meeting at the Beach Diner at 9am.

Individuals must register online before their first event and then just turn up on the day.

For more information or to register and get your ID barcode, go to parkrun.org.uk/clactonseafront.

Anyone wanting to launch a junior park run in Clacton or Harwich can call Cassie Barrett on 01255 686141.