GIRVAN’S popular parkrun hosted two runners’ big 4-0 last week.

Runners Douglas Mason and Craig Walker made South Ayrshire their 40th port of call as part of a grand tour of Scottish Parkruns.

Douglas said: “I’ve been doing parkrun since 2013, but had typically just stuck to my local events in the Glasgow area, although if I happened to be away somewhere for a weekend I’d try and take in a parkrun wherever I was.

“I’d always been interested in trying to do all the Scottish events at some point, but had never really acted on it.

“In December last year though, I asked my mate Craig if he fancied trying to do all of them in a single year.

Fortunately he agreed, andwe started our tour on January 1 by doing both Portobello and Livingston (New Year’s Day being the only day you can do two parkruns).

Since then new events have started this year, and we’ve been all round the country.”

The duo plan to finish their epic journey near their home in Pollok.

Girvan Prom parkrun is a free weekly 5km event for runners of all standards, which takes place every Saturday at 9.30am in Knockcushan Street, Girvan.

It is not a race against other runners, but a 5k timed run and it can really be whatever you 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.

We want to encourage people to jog or run together irrespective of their ability – this event is truly open to all and is free.

Taking part is easy – just register before your first ever parkrun.

Then just set your alarm for Saturday morning and get yourself there!

Every week there is a post parkrun coffee in the Quay Zone Café.

So whether you are a complete novice looking to get yourself started or a seasoned athlete wanting to use this as a part of your training schedule, you’re welcome.