A PARKRUN is about to celebrate its 150th run and its third anniversary.

The global running phenomenon first came to Leigh on March 12 2011 when 38 intrepid runners braved the 5k course around Pennington Flash.

The 150th run will take place on Saturday followed by a fancy dress run on March 8 to celebrate the run's third birthday.

“We have come a long way in these past three years but one thing that has never changed is the excitement and enthusiasm of everyone involved,” Bill Bradley, the event director, said.

“We always try to push that it’s a run, not a race and it’s for everyone from the fast guys and girls up front to the once-a-week joggers at the back.”

The Pennington Flash parkrun starts at 9am every Saturday morning and new members can register by visiting parkrun.org.uk.