parkruns have become a popular outing for many over a weekend - but what events take place in Wiltshire?

What started as a get-together of 13 running fanatics in 2004 has now grown into a global phenomenon.

Nearly 20 years later, the free 5K sees thousands across the country at the start line of their local Parkrun each Saturday morning.

With more than 2.6 million people completing the run in the UK alone, the initiative inspires runners of all abilities to kick off their day with a walk, jog or sprint in the British morning sun or pouring rain.

Wiltshire is lucky enough to have eight park-run venues spread across the county.

Seven Fields Nature Reserve as well as Lydiard Park in Swindon are among the destinations that often expect over 300 runners to turn up for the 9am start.

Other venues in Wiltshire include King George V Park in Melksham, and three in Chippenham at Tidworth Park, Southwick Country Park and Monkton Park.

In addition, Marlborough Common and The Churchill Gardens in Salisbury can also be visited to join in on the fun run.

In a recent parkrun blog post, a spokesman said: 

"From hectic cities to remote corners around the world, no matter where you are, the ability for parkrun to connect people and create communities is part of the magic of our events.

"For those living in tucked away hidden gems, the remote existence can sometimes lead to a sense of disconnectedness among residents and a feeling of living in isolation.

"However, as we approach our 20th anniversary at parkrun, we have witnessed the ability of parkrun to brilliantly transform these isolated communities into vibrant, tightly-knit neighbourhoods.

"parkrun can be used as an extraordinary tool that not only promotes physical and mental wellbeing for people living in isolation, but also serves as a catalyst for building lasting community relations."

Beyond the initiative providing a supportive, and fun community that welcomes all, it also celebrates and raises awareness for matters that live on outside of the park.

Just last month, Monkton Park dedicated the week’s run to Pancreatic Cancer UK which saw the runners donning colourful tutus and accessories.

This year also marked the 75-year anniversary of our NHS, an event which was celebrated by Parkrun communities across the county.

The venues are also always looking for volunteers to marshall these events, so if running isn't quite your speed, you can find as much reward in helping to make the morning possible.