Jessica Ennis-Hill: Olympic gold medallist joins hundreds at Endcliffe Parkrun, Sheffield

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill returned to Endcliffe Park on Saturday, April 26, to take part in what organisers believe may be their biggest parkrun yet.

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She joined hundreds of people taking part in the weekly 5k event, but left her gold medal and running shoes at home.

While many were there to run as always, the 2012 Olympic heptathlon champion instead came to show her support for the ‘parkwalk’, an alternative provision that allows people unable to take part in the run to still get out, join in on the community activity, and get some exercise.

This week’s event was supported by the health insurance company Vitality, of which Jessica is a brand ambassador, with organisers hoping to promote alternate options for those struggling to begin exercising.

Jessica told The Star: “I’ve worked with Vitality for years now, we’ve done some amazing things to try and get as many people active and living healthy lifestyles.

“Parkrun, particularly this one at Endcliffe Park, is something I’ve done a few times and my husband’s done - we come down regularly.

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“It’s just fantastic to be a part of this event and introducing parkwalk, where we’re just trying to encourage more people to find a community, a healthy community, where you can have conversations you might not have had with different people, you’re active, you're walking in a great mental head space and then it might lead you onto running one day.

“It’s just a fantastic morning, there’s obviously lots of runners coming in and there’ll be lots of walkers too.”

And it’s not just the Olympian who enjoyed herself, as event director Louise Dale-Hughes described a special ‘buzz’ in the air throughout the morning.

“It’s busy, it’s rewarding, it’s gone so much smoother than I anticipated,” she added.

“We’ve got a good group of walkers which I’m really pleased about and there’s a real buzz today.

“Obviously part of that is because Jess is here, but there’s a real buzz and excitement that I think’s really nice.

“I just think people need to be more accepting of park walkers within the park runs - parkrun is here for everybody and anybody.

“Pram pushers, children - there’s absolutely no age limit at all.

“I just love it, I love everything about it - we want more and more people to keep coming, and whatever number we’ll accommodate it.”

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