Runners smash record for first gathering at West Lothian's newest park

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The first Parkrun at Winchburgh’s Auldcathie District Park has set two new records.The event, held on Saturday, chalked up the highest attendance ever recorded at a Scottish inaugural Parkrun and the busiest in Scotland on that day, with an incredible 601 people taking part.Parkrun is a volunteer-led, 5km challenge that takes place every weekend at locations all over the world with 68 across Scotland alone.The Saturday morning runs are designed to bring together people of all abilities, ages and backgrounds to participate for free as walkers, runners, or volunteers.Winchburgh Developments Limited has provided the main sponsorship with further contributions provided through the key housebuilders on site.Cutting the ribbon on the start line, was Bo’ness-based Paralympian and world record holding wheelchair racer, Ben Rowlings.He said: “It’s amazing to have Parkrun come to Winchburgh and just incredible to see this level of turnout.“The events are a great way to get people up and active and having the first Winchburgh park run at the start of the year sets an active tone for the rest of the year.“The new winchburgh course makes the Parkrun event even more inclusive.

The smooth surface opens the event to users with a variety of disabilities ranging from wheelchair users, race running frames and visually impaired runners with guides.“Parkrun is about bringing a community together and getting active regardless of times, speed or disability.

Winchburgh Park Run has the ability to do this within our local area, which is brilliant.”Winchburgh’s Auldcathie District Park has been designed with Parkrun in mind after the community raised the idea during initial consultations in 2018.It provides a stunning backdrop to the 5km