Albert Parkrun joins the race for Wish Sport tokens

Albert Parkrun is a weekly 5k event held in Middlesbrough town centre's Albert Park, on Saturday mornings, which invites runners of all ages and abilities to challenge themselves

A running club has entered the race for tokens in this year’s Evening Gazette Wish Sport Campaign, and is hoping supporters will help them become winners.

Albert Parkrun is a weekly 5k event held in Middlesbrough town centre’s Albert Park, on Saturday mornings, which invites runners of all ages and abilities to challenge themselves.

The Parkrun began six years ago with 25 runners and now welcomes 250-300 each and every week.

Now the club is hoping people will get behind them to collect as many Wish Sport tokens as possible.

Each year, the Gazette teams up with Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation which provides £30,000 to share between not-for-profit sports groups across Teesside.

Tokens will be printed in the Gazette every day from Monday, July 7.

Parkrun team leader Louise Campbell, 45, said: “Our runners are aged between three and about 79-80 years, so it’s a wide range. We have more experienced runners through to total beginners. There’s something for everyone. It’s not competitive, it’s about running for yourself. It’s all run by volunteers and we do a lo of fundraising ourselves.

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Peter Reimann

Albert parkrun's 6th anniversary

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“Last year we spent the Wish Sport money we got on some padded hi-vis jackets for the volunteers who stand outside on the course in all weathers.

“This year we hope to provide pacer bibs for runners to wear. The bibs act as a visual aid for others trying to make a certain time or challenge themselves.”

This year’s campaign also comes with a twist.

All tokens collected will be worth a share of £25,000. The remaining £5,000 will be awarded during two Wish Sport online bonus days.

All registered groups will be given the chance to win a share of the additional prize pot on each of the bonus days. The four groups who receive the most readers’ votes on http://ift.tt/1md60Qe will win.

Jamie Brown of The Endeavour Partnership, corporate patrons of Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation, said: “The Endeavour Partnership is a big part of the local community, as is the Evening Gazette and the Philanthropic Foundation. Together we are making a real difference with initiatives like Wish Sport, showing the rest of the country that we live in a unique place. We have so many amazing sports groups across Teesside that need help because of the economic situation - the Wish Sport campaign we’re running with the Gazette offers that help. All at the Endeavour Partnership are proud to be involved in making a difference.”

To help Parkrun, send tokens to 7a Limes Road, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS5 6RQ.