A PUBLIC meeting to discuss Monmouthshire’s first ever Parkrun event was held in Caldicot last night.

The meeting was held by Monmouthshire County Council to find out people’s views and to see if anyone is willing to volunteer at the event.

The run will be a weekly 5k (3.1 mile) route which will run on Saturday mornings next to Rogiet Park.

Chris Davies, one of the members of Parkrun, said the event has been in Monmouthshire County Council’s agenda for several months and had a three month turnaround after it was put in front of the council.

He said yesterday: “The idea has come about because of the number of people from the Chepstow and Caldicot areas who have mentioned on our website about a Parkrun route nearby and the council have been very helpful and quick in finding a suitable site.

“Unlike with some where we have to find sponsorship, this was already set aside in the council’s budget and the focus is now just on getting the team of volunteers together.

“Although it may relieve the number of runners we have nearby at the Newport and Pontypool events, with any new trail what we have seen is a lot of new people nearby try it out so we think it will get more people in the area running.”

However, Mr Davies said that the event will only be able to run if enough people volunteer.

“The main bit now is getting people interested, we’ll need around 12 volunteers,” he said.

“If the event is successful and we get a lot of interest then we’ll think about holding a junior park run as well.”

A spokesman for Monmouthshire County Council said yesterday: “An initial meeting will be held with local individuals who have expressed interest in creating a weekly park run in the Caldicot area.

“The route next to the Rogiet country park has not been confirmed, but if popular with the community it would meet the requirements of a weekly Parkrun, as determined by the local Parkrun co-ordinator.

“Following the outcome of the meeting with local community volunteers, Mon CC’s sport development officer Laura James hopes to develop this project and involve the local community and representatives.

“Monmouthshire’s Sport and Leisure Services team aspires to introduce a weekly Park Run in a number of communities across the county.”

Anyone who missed the meeting and would like to get involved is asked to email Laura James at laurajames@monmouthshire.gov.uk