A brand new parkrun has landed in Derbyshire, with the inaugural Coronation Park parkrun taking place on 24 May in Swadlincote. The event, held at Coronation Park on William Nadin Way, welcomed 293 participants for a three-lap course run through the 50-acre country park.

After months of planning and preparation, the launch went smoothly under overcast skies and cool temperatures, offering ideal running conditions. Run Director Laura Nugent opened the morning with thanks to those who had helped bring the event to life, including landowners the Harworth Group, as well as key volunteers John Kilcoyne, Helen Segebarth and Julie Thompson.

Coronation Park’s course features an initial lap winding through the centre of the park before joining the perimeter path and continuing in a clockwise loop. Runners then complete an out-and-back section over a golf course before returning to the start area. The second and third laps follow the outer path before heading straight on to the finish.

The location, opened in 2023 and named to mark the coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort, sits on the former site of Cadley Hill Colliery, which closed in 1988. Today the park includes features such as a community orchard, two pools and an old colliery winding wheel. There is also a giant lizard sculpture, adding a bit of character and plenty of photo opportunities.

Among the participants on Saturday were first-timers, tourists and milestone runners. John reached his 100th parkrun, while Alison marked her 400th. At the front of the field, Kieran Malin was the first male finisher, Katie Cotton the first female and Miles Foord led the juniors.

With runners of all ages, including children in buggies and dogs on leads, the first edition of Coronation Park parkrun was a resounding success. The new event will now take place every Saturday morning, offering a regular 5K for local runners and visitors alike.

If you'd like to know more, visit the parkrun website.

Image: Coronation Park parkrun Facebook