There is plenty cause for excitement at St Andrew's parkrun at the moment with some outstanding running demonstrated by junior runner Luca Anderson at Saturday's run and the small matter of the event's 500th run taking place this coming weekend (23 September).

It was back in April 2012 that the Fife event staged its first ever run, with 76 participants enjoying the scenic Craigton Country Park course that day. Since then numbers have continued to grow and it is now not unusual for there to be in excess of 200 runners each week. In fact in August 2021 there was a record turnout of 305 runners!

Race Directors are looking to surpass that number at the weekend's celebratory edition - with the hope being that 500 participants (or more) will be there to help mark the occasion. Speaking about their plan, organisers said: "An epic and momentous occasion will happen on 23 September - the 500th St Andrews parkrun. We would love you to come along and be one of the 500 people to either, run, jog, walk or cheer everyone on.

"We're also going to have a wee celebration at the end to mark this once in a lifetime event so if you want to bring along a few treats and goodies that would be awesome. We can't thank everyone enough for helping us get here, but we're going to have a good go at it on the day."

But back to the event's star junior runner, Luca, who ran a course PB at the weekend. Speaking about his achievement, organisers said: "Wow wow wow! Take a bow Luca Anderson - second place today,  massive PB in 18:06 and he's only 12 years young!" Definitely a name to look out for in the future...

If you'd like to know more, visit the St Andrews parkrun website or find out more about the 500th Celebration at the parkrun's Facebook page.

Image: St Andrews parkrun Facebook