ORGANISERS of Ayr Parkrun have issued a plea for wood chipping to cover the ground at Rozelle which is prone to flooding.

Ayr parkrun is a free weekly 5km event for runners of all standards, which takes place every Saturday at 9:30am in Rozelle Park, Monument Road, Ayr.

It is not a race against other runners, but a 5k timed run and it can really be whatever those who take part want it to be, whether that’s for fun or as part of a training plan.

It offers an opportunity for all the local community, male or female, young or old, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy this beautiful park and get physically active into the bargain.

But there have been occasions recently where poor weather conditions force runners through the mud as the the route does not follow a concrete track.

This was addressed at a public meeting recently. 

Cllr Martin Dowey said: “I have tried to get support for this but the only response I got was ‘it rains in Scotland’.

“I will raise the issue again but I have been told there are plans to address the problems with the paths.”

At the meeting, one of the organisers, who did not give his name explained: “I think this weekly event is the best thing which has happened for people’s health in a long time.

“The track around Rozelle is run along this path from 9:30am every Saturday. This idea came from France and has worked really well. 

“The only time we cancel is for an event which has booked the park.”
The aim of Ayr Parkrun is to encourage people to jog or run together irrespective of their ability – this event is open to all.

Taking part is easy – just register before your first ever parkrun. The great thing is that you only ever need to do this once. Then just set your alarm for Saturday morning and get yourself there.

The course at Rozelle is 5000m (5K) long and is run entirely on trail paths. Volunteers warn that some sections of the course may accumulate mud, leaves and puddles after rain. 

Dependent on availability, marshals will be at key sections of the course, or signs will be in place.

The course is a trail run of one and half loops. It starts north of the pavilion, on the track adjacent to the Rugby pitch. 

After 100 metres on the track, the route enters the trail on the left hand side after a further 30 metres there is a sharp left turn. 

After 500 metres the course takes a left fork and goes round the pond. The course then returns to the trail and heads south returning on the trails adjacent to the pavilion. 

The trails skirt round the perimeter of the park before cutting in towards the centre of the park before heading back North and rejoining the trail adjacent to the pavilion to commence the half lap. 

After returning to the trail adjacent to the pavilion, the course rejoins the track this time at the South of the pavilion and finishes on the track close to the pavilion.