THE first-ever Harwich Parkrun took place last Saturday.

Sixty-five runners lined up at the bandstand in Cliff Park for the start of the inaugural event – 18 of who were Harwich Runners.

It was no surprise to see favourite Robert Reason establish an early lead during the initial loop of the park, which he gradually increased on the outward leg running along Dovercourt promenade towards the West End.

After turning and retracing the outward route, Reason finished first back at the bandstand in a time of 17m 30s.

This was over a minute and a half clear of second place.

The next club member home was Bill Haining, in fifth spot, in 20m 17s, giving him second in his 55-60 years age category.

Claudine Tisbury (21m 18s) produced another excellent run to finish first woman of the 26 present.

She was closely followed by Madeline Lewis (21m 53s), who bagged the women’s runner-up spot.

Mention must also be made of six-year-old Alex Burls – by far the youngest participant – who completed the 3.1 mile course in 47m 56s for 24th female.

Meanwhile, Peter Fraser-Hopewell was the sole Harwich representative at the Colchester Parkrun, in Castle Park.

He got around the hilly course in 23m 19s for 57th position overall out of 241 finishers and second place in the 60-64 years age group.

The Harwich veteran has been a consistent performer over the last few years at the venue, with his last four runs there all being within a four-second time frame.