A SPECIAL edition of a free weekly five-kilometre run attracted 545 runners to the Worcester Woods Country Park.

Worcester parkrun, which takes place every Saturday at 9am, welcomed Paul Sinton- Hewitt CBE, the man who devised the concept in 2004.

Sinton-Hewitt was completing his 250th run and his visit followed a nationwide competition inviting the 348 UK events to suggest why he should attend.

Despite heavy rain the previous day, the dirt trails on the course were remarkably dry.

Among the 545 finishers were 27 in their first parkrun as well as 102 aged under 18.

Sinton-Hewitt clocked 19 minutes 28 seconds to finish in 13th position overall.

As well as a time, entrants received a percentage score calculated using their time, age and gender.

Derek Jackson scored highest for the men with 20.02, while Margaret Crosswell recorded the best for the women in a personal best of 28.15.

Ben Harle led the boys in 19.15 and Ruby Jarman the girls in a course best of 23.14.

Sinton-Hewitt said: “It was a very special day for me and I must thank the people of Worcester for making it such a memorable occasion.

“It was wonderful to see the concept of parkrun being embraced so enthusiastically.

“Eleven years ago I brought a parkrun to my local community in London and it is always fantastic to spend time with like-minded people who have done the same thing for their community.

“When we created the parkrun movement, we envisaged events where everyone could take part at their own pace and for their own reasons in a supportive and welcoming environment — and this is certainly happening in Worcester.”

Worcester event director Richard Ralphs said: “It was a privilege for our community of runners and volunteers that Paul chose to celebrate his milestone run here.

“It gave us a wonderful opportunity to showcase our event and we were particularly pleased to see such an influx of participants who had never run with us before, many who have only started jogging and running recently.

“We are open to everyone, of all ages and abilities, and hope to welcome many more first-timers over the coming weeks and months.”

Sinton-Hewitt has published a photo book celebrating the first 10 years of parkrun.

Proceeds are helping to fund a junior parkrun series. To take part at Worcester, visit parkrun.org.uk/worcester.