ORGANISERS are hoping for the biggest ever turnout at the 100th Harwich parkrun on Saturday.

The 5km run was launched in August 2015 to help encourage all residents to be more active.

Since then volunteers have been astounded at its success.

Race director Kevin Fitchett said: “The Harwich Park Run was set up as the nearest one was Colchester and it was felt we had the ability and the local people to have one in Harwich. I’ve done quite a few park runs in the UK and Harwich is bar far the prettiest location.

“People come along with children and grandchildren, it’s not a race it’s just you against your time if you want, it’s about getting out.

“Some people walk it and some people run it in 17 minutes, which is outstanding.

“When it was started by Dennis Warner and his family and Eddie McCreadie and his family they had 60 people taking part.

“Since then its regularly 100 people but our record is 145.

“For the 100th event we want to break that record.”

The run starts in Cliff Park, Dovercourt at 9am every Saturday - it’s free and run completely by volunteers.

The route is suitable for parents with buggies and wheelchairs.

One of the main aims when it began in 2015 was to improve fitness and Mr Fitchett said there have been some great success stories since then.

“One person has lost 10st doing the run and completely turned his life around,” he said “There are two lovely ladies that were advised to get more exercise for medical reasons - they are now jogging the route and say its done wonders for their medical conditions.

“I moved to Harwich in 2015 and I’ve got to know local people and got involved with the community through it.”

To take part visit www.parkrun.org.uk/harwich/