Worthing parkrun

Worthing parkrun is back on the promenade this Saturday 7 November, part of the weekly 5k that runs every Saturday morning at 9:00. It's free to take part, and it's run entirely by volunteers, so it's as much about the people as the running. The course is flat and stays on the tarmac paths along the promenade, which makes it a good one if you're not keen on uneven ground. The start line is in the Splash Point area, just east of the pier, and the route is an out-and-back that finishes next to Splashpoint Leisure Centre.

There's a pre-run briefing on the shingle beach at 8:50, and you're welcome to walk, jog, run, volunteer or just spectate. If you're running, you can compare your time against different ages and abilities through Age Grading, so it's not all about who crosses the line first. One dog is allowed on a short, handheld lead. The event is supported by local running clubs and sponsors like Vitality, Brooks, Runna and Kenco.

It's part of the global parkrun network, so it's the same friendly, community-led setup you'll find in parkruns across the country. There's a large local running community around it, and the post-run coffee at Coast Cafe des Artistes is a regular part of the morning for many. If you've got younger ones in the house, there's also a junior parkrun for 4-14 year olds on Sundays nearby. They encourage walking, cycling or taking public transport to get there, and the whole thing is free.