The tracksuit worn by Otley Olympic medal winner Lizzie Armitstead at the London Games opening ceremony was given as a prize at a fun run in Horton Park yesterday.
Kate Armitstead, ward officer for Bradford West and sister of the silver medal winning cyclist, said: “She’s really interested in people enjoying sport rather than seeing it as an elite thing. She did fun runs as a kid and she thought it was a good cause.”
The event was organised by the Joshua Project in association with Bradford Council, Klick Fitness, the Friends of Horton Park and community groups.
Up to 50 people were taking part and cheering on participants in a 5km run, a 100 metre toddle and a 1km walk in the park.
Rich Jones, chief executive of the Joshua Project, said: “We are here to encourage the use of the park and to promote healthy living and healthy lifestyle, and to show local residents of all ages that it is a beautiful, free fitness resource on their doorstep. You can enjoy it as an elite athlete or if you just fancy a walk around the park. There are a few walking groups and runners about but for the size of the park and the sheer beauty it is definitely underused.”
Kate Armitstead said she hoped the fun run would become an annual event. She said: “It’s to promote the area as a pretty, safe place, it’s amazing to have something like this here on your doorstep but it is not really utilised enough by people.”
James Hunt, 19, came first in the 5km run and Megan Medley, 16, was the fastest runner under the age of 18.
Megan, of Great Horton , took home Lizzie’s tracksuit. She said: “It feels really good because I didn’t expect to win and to get this.”
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