A POPULAR running event took another big stride forward when organisers unveiled an eye-catching new sign.

The Forest of Dean parkrun in Five Acres has attracted nearly 5,000 different runners from 500 different clubs to its weekly event since 2010, but some visitors have found it hard to find the Coverham Enclosure location.

Now they will have no problems finding their way, thanks to the new signpost put up last Friday (February 24) on the Forestry Commission site opposite Lakers School.

The area off the A4136 Monmouth road is used every weekend for a parkrun on Saturdays, with a regular turnout of around 120 runners, and junior parkrun on Sundays, both starting at 9am.

The parkrun team worked with the Forest of Dean District Council to raise a grant, Squiff Designs to create the artwork, and Forest of Dean Athletic Club and the Forestry Commission to install it.

MSM joinery built the frame whilst Image Signs and Print Ltd produced the double-sided sign.

All parties agreed that the project will benefit the community, dog walkers, ramblers, parkrunners and tourists whilst creating a highly noticeable landmark for the event.

Squiff Design commissioned local artist Leah Roberts to work on the picture, based on an original drawing by Yvonne Thompson. The end result is eye-catching, detailed and humorous.

“We are grateful to Hayley Clayton and Heather Lilley at the Forestry Commission who have been so supportive in maintaining our licence to hold our event and agreeing that we could erect the sign on forestry land,” said Mark Mathews, event director at Forest of Dean parkrun.

“We are also indebted to Tess Tremlett and Nikki McLean of Forest of Dean District Council, for advice and support in obtaining grant.”

Cllr Terry Hale, Forest of Dean District Council Cabinet member for the community, said: “We are pleased to support the Coleford parkrun with a community grant towards the purchase of their new signage.

“As a local authority we have embraced the national parkrun scheme and were instrumental in setting up this parkrun - the first ever parkrun in Gloucestershire.”

Forest of Dean parkrun is a free weekly timed 5km run which is non-competitive and fun and open to all.

See www.parkrun.org.uk/forest-of-dean for more details.