Lloyd Park’s Parkrun runners – at least those who had not scooted north to Leeds for the National cross-country – had a special treat on Saturday as Co-op, the local community retailer, handed out free recipe boxes containing healthy food products.

Runners at Saturday’s Lloyd Park Parkrun went home with food boxes and recipe ideas, thanks to the Co-op

Last Saturday, 217 people, and friends of Oscar-winner Olivia Colman, ran, jogged and walked the course. Of those, 43 were first-timers and 24 recorded personal bests around the five-kilometre course which, because of its hills and stubborn muddiness, has been rated as the toughest Parkrun inside the M25.

As they all got their breath back, every runner and all volunteers received recipe advice and food inspiration in a bid to create a healthier and happier community through physical activity, food and lifestyle.

Co-op Food is the first retail supporter of Parkrun UK, which supports volunteers in more than 520 communities around the country to coordinate the free, timed, 5k events every Saturday morning.

The Co-op’s #HealthySwaps campaign aims to get as many people as possible to make a small change to their everyday lifestyle choices. With more than 2,500 food stores across the UK, Co-op sit at the heart of the community – just like Parkrun.

For more information on their #HealthySwaps campaign, please visit www.co-operativefood.co.uk/parkrun.

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