Runners crowding round the starting line of Nottingham's Parkrun

More than 6,400 gyms are now open in the UK. 9.7 million fitness members are signed up to these gyms, so how many people still take part in fitness outdoors?

Nottingham is one of the many cities to host the Parkrun which is a free event held every Saturday at nine in the morning.

This event sees more than two hundred runners of all ages come together to run a 5 km course around the Forest Recreation Grounds.

“It’s a free fun event that everyone can get involved in”

Janis Naylor, park run volunteer

People volunteer every morning to set up the course for the runners – making sure it is a huge success.

Volunteer, Janis Naylor, said “It’s a free fun event that everyone can get involved in”. Janis believes that fitness should not be a matter of cost, but a matter of determination and motivation.

With the Parkrun being a free event, anyone is welcome to get involved whether you want to walk, jog or run – it is a fun Saturday achievement everyone can enjoy.

Janis Naylor, Parkrun volunteer, talks about the park run

Runners completing the first lap of the Parkrun

But with over £4.7 billion being spent on gym memberships, has the value of outside fitness been lost within today’s generation?

If you wish to volunteer or take part in Nottingham’s park run then follow this link for more information: Park Run Nottingham