Runners off to flying start as Inverness ‘parkrun’ opens

Parkrun participants hit the ground running on Saturday (21 August 2021) as they took part in the very first event to be held at the brand new Torvean Park in Inverness.

The Inverness ‘parkrun’ moved from its former location at Bught Park to its new home on the site of the former Torvean golf course.

Parkrun is a collection of 5-kilometre (3.1 mile) events for walkers, runners and volunteers that take place every Saturday morning at more than 2,000 locations in 22 countries across five continents. Parkruns are for walkers, joggers, runners, volunteers and spectators alike. Everyone is welcome, there are no winners, and nobody ever finishes last as there is a volunteer Tail Walker at all events.

Highland Council members, Cllr Trish Robertson and Cllr Alex Graham joined Cllr Bill Boyd on Saturday who volunteered as official starter for the inaugural Torvean ‘parkrun’.

Cllr Boyd said: “It was wonderful to see so many walkers, cyclists and runners turn out to welcome the opening of this excellent park, which will be a magnet for local people and visitors to the city. Delivery of the park Is the culmination of a lot of persuasion, planning, preparation and construction.

“I think we must acknowledge the vision of Executive Chief Officer for Economy and Infrastructure, Malcolm Macleod and his team as well as the many others involved. They have displayed determination and dedication to get this delivered and worked closely with parkrun organisers. Well done to the whole team.”

The new location for Inverness ‘parkrun’ came about during Highland Council’s delivery of the West Link Stage 2 development. The local authority sought proposals for surrounding land uses, including areas formerly occupied by Torvean golf course.

Stage 1 of the West Link included the relocation and enhancement of sport facilities available in this part of the City which is firmly established as one of the main areas for sport.

The new leisure area will help to draw people into the area from surrounding communities and is accessible by walking and cycling on traffic free routes. This is intended to promote healthy lifestyles.

The project was funded following agreement by the City of Inverness Area Committee through an an investment of £25,000, comprising Active Travel funding and developer contributions.

Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Trish Robertson, said: “The park and particularly the path network is the perfect way to capitalise on the area’s role as a hub for sporting events.

“It was great to see so many people turn out at the weekend to enjoy the inaugural run and test out this new facility. The new track through this area is welcome and opens up a previously hidden open-air arena for all ages and abilities.”

Since its first run in September 2011, there have been 433 Parkrun events in Inverness, steadily increasing its numbers to around 190 runners each Saturday. They are supported by a team of around a dozen volunteers. The last ‘parkrun’ in Inverness was 14 March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Parkrun Event Manager, Wendy Dustan, who has taken over from Paul Crowe in this role gave a brief announcement at the start of the run to thank Highland Council and all those involved, saying: “The parkrun directors’ team have been kept involved by Highland Council throughout the development of the new park, listening to Parkrun needs, with RJ McLeod setting out the path with ‘parkrun’ and other park users’ requirements in mind.”

Elaine Barrie, Run Director on the day, also added: “The new home for Inverness parkrun is a huge success and we are delighted with the positive response and feedback from the runners. It’s a new jewel in the crown of this newly-developed area of the city.”

Parkrun Directors were always keen to relocate from Bught Park as there would be less risk of conflict with other events.

Local GPs promote the health benefits of ‘parkrun’ as part of a national campaign, and in January 2019 Cairn Medical Practice was announced as the first ‘parkrun’ practice in the city.