There's a new parkrun for runners to enjoy in Northamptonshire and with eight events now under their belt, it has been a successful start for The Plens parkun in Desborough.

The inaugural staging was on 20 July with 226 runners taking part. Speaking afterwards organisers said: "A massive thank you to everybody who worked tirelessly to make today happen, your effort and commitment is appreciated by everybody who was here today to commemorate the beginning of The Plens parkrun’s journey, I’m sure there will be many more fantastic events to be held here too."

The course runs around The Plens Nature Reserve and Desborough Greenspace. It is principally a trail route on a mixture of hardcore paths and grass with a short section on tarmac. There is a start segment, then two loops around the bowl and tarmac, before passing back through the start area and up some steps - not a feature you will see at many parkruns.

Don't be put off though, a participant has this to say about the climb: ""As it happens, those stairs were ideally spaced for running up, and given their proximity to the finish line, I propose they be deemed the ‘stairway to heaven,’ as they were a welcome addition to the course."

The Plens historic area offers pleasant rural walking, nature and wildlife there is a skate park adjacent to the Leisure Centre, and an outdoor gym can be found around the Greenspace. Every week those taking part in the 5K can grab a post-parkrun coffee at the Leisure Centre.

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

Image: Plens parkrun Facebook