FITNESS fanatics and novice runners are all being urged to join in with a new weekly community event.

The Harwich Park Run will now be held every Saturday at 9am at Cliff Park in Dovercourt following a successful two-week bedding in period.

Entry is completely free with runners allowed to take on the 5km course at their own pace and then check on their progress online after the race.

Dennis Warner – one of the organisers of the run- said the new event was designed to allow people of all abilities to build up their fitness.

He said: “There is a run in Colchester and another in Ipswich so we wanted to start something which people can get involved with on their doorstep.

“The aim is to get the average person a bit more active."

Mr Warner also thanked Active Essex for a donation of £3,000 to help the event get off the ground and to Tendring Council for allowing the use of Cliff Park.

To take part entrants need to print a personalised barcode from parkrun.org.uk/harwich and meet just before the 9am start time.

Volunteers who want to get involved should email harwichhelpers@parkrun.com