ULVERSTON is one step closer to getting its very own weekly park run as organisers seek guinea pigs to test its prepared route.

The event, which will take place every Saturday at Ford Park, looks set to launch later this summer.

However, preparations are still underway and volunteers are needed on August 3 at 7pm to try out the 5km course.

Parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.

The events take place in parkland surroundings and Parkrun encourage people of all abilities to take part, from those taking their first steps in running to experienced athletes.

The adult Parkrun takes place every Saturday morning at 9am and accompanied children are allowed to join in. Walking is encouraged and there are currently four million people that participate in Parkrun worldwide.

The Ulverston run has a core team of around 20 volunteers and Ulverston's Business Improvement District (BID) has provided the £3,000 start up funding required to get the event off the ground.

Cumbria County Council has supported the team with footpath permissions, Booths has agreed to provide parkin and St Mary's Hospice is lending us its defibrillator each Saturday and can provide additional parking.

There will be no parking at Ford Park for the trial event or for Parkrun when it officially starts. The preferred option is to walk, cycle or park at Booths and walk up Hoad Lane.

Co-event director of Ulverston's Parkrun and chair of Ford Park Trustees Suzanne Pender said: "The Ulverston Parkrun team are very excited about the launch of Parkrun this summer. We hope it will be a fun and healthy community activity and we really encourage runners and walkers of all abilities to take part. We are grateful to Ulverston Business Improvement District for providing funding and we hope that the event helps the local economy by attracting new runners and visitors to our Town."

If you are interested in taking part in the trial run, email suzanne.pender@ford-park.org.uk. All abilities welcome.