Durham Freemasons support new Elemore Park parkrun

The first Elemore Park parkrun took place on Saturday, November 15 in Hetton-le-Hole.

It was fully funded by the Durham Freemasons Charity, and welcomed runners, joggers, walkers, and volunteers from across the region.

Durham Freemasons park runners (Image: Keith Blundy)

Martin Rankin, Assistant Head of Durham Freemasons and Chair of the Durham Freemasons Charity, said: "I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve been able to bring a brand-new parkrun to East Durham, fully funded by Durham Freemasons.

"This is another fantastic opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to come together in a spirit of fun and friendship.

Park runners with race director Richard Borrowdale, assistant head of Durham Freemasons - Martin Rankin and Keith Tilmouth - Parkrun UK Area Ambassador (Image: Keith Blundy)

"Elemore Park is the perfect setting, and it’s been wonderful to see such an enthusiastic turnout.

"This really captures what Freemasonry in the community is all about."

Durham Freemasons Park Runners (Image: Keith Blundy)

The event marks the latest chapter in Durham Freemasons’ ongoing support for parkrun and their commitment to promoting health, wellbeing, and community connection.

Their £5,000 donation covered the full start-up costs of joining the international parkrun network.

This funding also included a defibrillator for the site.

L-R Duncan Maw, Richard Borrowdale - Race Director, Martin Rankin and Lawrance Nolan - Durham Fremasons Charity Rep present defibrillator and grant support certificate to the Elemore Parkrun (Image: Keith Blundy)

This ensures the event is both safe and sustainable for the long term.

The Elemore Park event builds on the legacy of other Freemason-supported parkruns across the region.

These efforts began with the Durham Freemasons Parkrun Group, founded by Duncan Maw to encourage members, families, and friends to take part in parkruns both locally and internationally.

Martin Rankin presents the mandatory race defibrillator to race director Richard Borrowdale (Image: Keith Blundy)

Mr Maw, Provincial Grand Almoner and Group Coordinator, said: "What began as a small idea to bring members, families and friends together for a Saturday morning run has grown into something much bigger.

"With the encouragement and support of the Head of Durham Freemasons, John Watts, that early idea has evolved into a thriving movement that brings people together through health, friendship and shared community spirit.

"When we launched the first Freemasons parkrun initiatives, our aim was to encourage connection, activity and inclusivity across our communities.

"Seeing the Elemore Park Parkrun come to life shows how that vision continues to grow.

"It’s a wonderful example of what can happen when Freemasons and local people work together to create something lasting and positive."

Despite the tail end of storm Claudia, the atmosphere remained upbeat.

Participants, volunteers, and supporters gathered after the run for refreshments and conversation.

This reflected the friendly and welcoming environment that parkrun is known for.

The Elemore Park parkrun will now take place every Saturday at 9am.

It is free, open to all, and supported by a team of local volunteers.