A special net zero parkrun is set to take place at 9am on Saturday 18 February at Watermead Country Park.
Taking place to raise awareness of climate change, the first net zero parkrun in Leicestershire is open for everyone. Whether running, jogging, walking, volunteering or encouraging others, the event will give attendees the chance to show their support to the county’s net zero goals.
Leicestershire County Council’s Net Zero Leicestershire team will be at Watermead Country Park for the parkrun and to share further information and to talk to attendees. Parkrunners will also be invited to make their own climate change pledges and take steps in their day to day lives to reduce their carbon footprint.
Attendees are encouraged to register on the parkrun website to get a barcode and wear something green during the event to raise awareness of climate change. Children are welcome to join in the fun: the minimum age to register is four, but younger children can still take part in the run. Under 11s must run with a responsible adult.
Councillor Blake Pain, lead member for Environment and the Green Agenda said: “We are pleased to be working with the Watermead Country Park parkrun core team to promote this special net zero event, which highlights the importance of halting climate change. Leicestershire County Council is committed to becoming a net zero council by 2030 and to being a net zero county by 2045 or before.
“The pledges participants make will form part of our wider consultation on Leicestershire’s Net Zero Strategy and Action Plan to help make our ambitions a reality. I encourage as many people as possible to make a pledge and to enjoy being part of this special parkrun.”
Scott Brownlow from the Watermead Country Park parkrun core team said: “We’re excited to welcome parkrunners on Saturday. Everyone’s welcome no matter their pace – in fact, walking is actively encouraged at parkrun.”
The event will kick off at the Wanlip entrance of Watermead County Park North, LE7 1PD. The main car park for the country park and participants are encouraged to travel as sustainably as possible to the event by cycling, travelling on foot or arriving by public transport.
Find out more about Leicestershire County Council’s net zero pledge on the website.
Sign up for the parkrun at www.parkrun.org.uk/watermeadcountrypark/.