VOLUNTEERS preparing a county’s first parkrun course have ensured it makes the most of the region’s natural beauty by litter-picking a tonne of rubbish along the route. 

The Caldicot Parkrun will soon join the likes of Lydney and Newent hosting the popular weekly 5km exercise phenomenon.

And joggers in Monmouthshire’s first ever parkrun can show each other a clean pair of heels by striding out free of rubbish.

Co-ordinated by Keep Wales Tidy and assisted by Monmouthshire County Council’s waste and leisure teams, litter pickers collected the tonne of rubbish in two hours along roads and watercourses. 

Building rubble, bottles, cans, car parts and several bags of household rubbish were among the litter dragged out of nearby reens. 

Monmouthshire’s chief executive Paul Matthews said: “I am delighted that the county is getting involved in the parkrun movement. It’s a fun way to get fit and to make new friendships.

“I’m on record as saying how much I loathe fly-tippers. It’s a disgrace that others have to put themselves out because of them, but it’s testament to these volunteers that they have made the place look so good by coming together to clear litter and improve the environment for wildlife.”

Following the clean-up, the area will be monitored by enforcement officers from Monmouthshire council and Natural Resources Wales who work closely with neighbouring authorities on surveillance across the Gwent Levels to reduce the blight of litter and fly-tipping. 

The Caldicot Parkrun will be free and will be launched shortly on Saturday mornings. For more information about participating, contact Monmouthshire community sport development officer Laura James at [email protected] or 07816 175761.

If it is successful, a junior parkrun over 2km may also be added.