There was a record attendance on Saturday as the Hatfield Forest parkrun celebrated its first anniversary.

Dunmow Broadcast: Hatfield Forest parkrun first anniversaryHatfield Forest parkrun first anniversary (Image: Archant)

Since launching in March 2015, over 1,800 runners have participated at the event, supported by 285 volunteers.

At the weekend 231 runners and 40 volunteers enjoyed perfect running conditions at the National Trust’s ancient hunting forest.

Chris Holt, the Hatfield Forest parkrun event director, said: “To have seen the event evolve from an idea, through fund-raising, planning, to launching a year ago, I’m immensely proud of what Hatfield Forest parkrun has become.

“The community and camaraderie between our runners is what I wanted to bring to the forest, having seen the positive impact parkrun has brought to other locations.

“The tireless dedication of our core team, coupled with the enthusiasm of our runners, makes Hatfield Forest a special place to be on a Saturday morning.”

The occasion provided an opportunity to also host the annual awards.

Claire Cadzow and Danny Beazley claimed the Female and Male Runner of the Year categories.

Olivia Beresford and Luke Dunham were awarded the Junior Female and Male Runner of the Year categories.

Rachael Anderson was the Volunteer of the Year, with Grace Cadzow making it a special day for the family after being awarded the Junior Volunteer of the Year.

Darren Womack was Most Improved Runner of the Year.

Since participating at the inaugural race, he has completed the greatest number of runs at the Forest (44) and taken over seven minutes off his personal best, down from over 30 minutes to 22:57.

The parkrunner of the Year winner was Bishop’s Stortford Running Club chairman Philip Chaplin.

Visit www.parkrun.org.uk/hatfieldforest for further information.