Wiltshire runners joined in with celebrating the 20th anniversary of Parkrun.

More than 180 runners took to the track around Southwick Country Park, in Trowbridge, to compete on the day recognising the 20th anniversary of  Parkrun.

The idea was incredibly simple - an event founded by Paul Sinton Hewitt  who instigated the first event recovering from an injury and missing running with his friends.

Paul invited a few of his running pals to meet in Bushy Park Teddington in October 2004 for a timed 5k run. This was the first ever Bushy Park Time Trails, which eventually changed its name to Parkrun.

The 180 runners setting off in Trowbridge (Image: Trevor Porter) This was such a success among the 13 runners at the early event and because with the growing popularity of that run that he was encouraged to launch another event and more runs were formed.

From that initial seed a charity with branches around the world has emerged.

Parkrun is now established in 23 countries and more than 10 million people are registered.

"I went from 'let's grow this running event' into something that's more strategic, around mental health, physical health and wellbeing," said Mr Sinton-Hewitt.

Southwick Parkrun was established in September 2011 with its founder member Sean Price, now a joint run director.

He said: "Its so popular and attracts nearly 200 runners each Saturday morning with the help of 20 volunteers."

Sean located a gold painted steel statue in 2011. It was the work of the late Noel Morgan with the help of Aubrey and Jason Gumm. The stature is of a runner named Forest the spirit of a park runner.

Sean Price explained: "I met up with the late Noel Morgan who was looking for a place for this statue and we had it erected at the side of the running track with a fitting plaque.

"It reads 'this statue was created to represent the feeling of freedom that running has always given to mankind'."