RUNNERS across Gwent put their best feet forward to celebrate a very special birthday and mark the anniversary of the first ever parkrun.

It was held in n 2004 - at London’s Bushy Park, which just a handful of people taking part in the free 5k run.

In the 12 years since though, it has spurned more than 400 weekly events across the UK, with many more around the world.

Gwent is home to four adult events – Newport, Bryn Bach, Pontypool and Cwmbran. The Newport and Pontypool courses also run shorter 2k events for children aged four to 14.

On Saturday, 639 runners braved heavy rain in Newport before 185 junior athletes participated as the sun shone on Sunday, all under the watchful eyes of the course volunteers.

Newport AMs John Griffiths and Jayne Bryant joined the masses to mark parkrun’s 12th anniversary at Tredegar House.

“It was great to see so many people positive about the parkrun and around 350 people took part in it,“ said Mr Griffiths, who finished in a time close to 24 minutes on his inaugural run.

“A large number of them stayed at the end for a drink in the café at Tredegar House. It’s a fantastic idea and it is something which I am very keen to support – Newport being physically active and I only hope that it continues to grow.”

Mr Griffiths added that he was impressed by the social nature of the event, and hoped to be able to take part in further runs in the future.

Among other participants at the Newport run were 77-year-old Jude Gilligan - who was taking part in her 200th parkrun - and Sarah Beamish, who incorporated the event into her hen weekend.

Newport was the first event to launch in Gwent, in March 2011, followed by Tredegar’s Bryn Bach in July 2012.

Pontypool’s run is approaching its third anniversary next month, while the junior runs both started in 2014. Cwmbran’s event is still relatively in its infancy after launching in June.

Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds visited the Cwmbran and junior Pontypool parkruns on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

“Congratulations to parkrun on 12 years,” he said, vowing to participate in the Cwmbran event over the coming months.

“It's a great idea, combining targets for individuals with a great sense of community and togetherness. Well done to all the runners and thank you to all the amazing volunteers for their outstanding service."