PARTICIPANTS in two weekly Central Fife events can go on the run to help celebrate a milestone for the NHS.

This weekend, parkruns at Lochore Meadows and Fife Cycle Park will join hundreds of others from around the UK in hosting a special celebration marking 75 years of the health service.

The initative, known as 'parkrun for the NHS', recognises its contribution to the health of the nation, whilst aiming to inspire people across the country to lead active, healthy lifestyles.

Free to take part in, parkrun events are community-orientated, timed 5Ks, bringing runners, joggers and walkers together, giving people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to get involved.

Adult events, such as that at Lochore Meadows, take place on Saturday mornings, whilst junior parkruns, at Fife Cycle Park, take place on Sunday mornings, at 9.30am.

This weekend, participants are encouraged to wear blue in recognition of the NHS, which will be celebrated by parkrun foir the second time, with parkrun UK having held similar events for its 70th birthday in 2018, which saw more than 146,000 people get involved.

Sports stars, such as tennis hero, Sir Andy Murray, and Dame Kelly Holmes, are backing this weekend's festivities, with the latter, a regular parkrunner who also worked as a nursing assistant before becoming a full-time athlete, commenting: "It is fantastic to see that parkrun and junior parkrun events are joining forces with the NHS across the UK to celebrate its 75th anniversary.

"'parkrun for the NHS' is a great opportunity for people to come together to improve their own health and wellbeing, through activity and social connection, as well as to thank the incredible NHS staff and volunteers across the country.

"I'd encourage everyone to head down to their local parkrun or junior parkrun event on July 8 and 9 and make this a wonderful 75th celebration to remember!"