PITTENCRIEFF PARK was the scene for more than 100 runners to pull their trainers on and take part in a weekly event taking West Fife by storm on Saturday.

Enthusiastic participants of all ages and sizes took their positions on the start line for the 27th Dunfermline Parkrun, a free 5km race against the clock.

The popular event was first held in the scenic setting of the Glen on July 4 after the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, Carnegie Harriers running club and Fife Council gave their backing to the volunteer-led event.

Parkruns are held in more than 400 locations across the UK every Saturday, attracting a total of more than 65,000 competitors, and they take place in parkland surroundings with the aim of encouraging people of all abilities to take part.

A total of 114 runners enjoyed pleasantly mild weather conditions for January to take part at the weekend - including 37 first time runners to the Dunfermline run - and organisers are delighted with how the West Fife public have embraced the event.

Elaine Stewart, grants officer with the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, helped bring parkrun to the Glen and she said: "Saturday was our 27th event and we're really pleased that people seem to be enjoying it, even though we've been through every type of weather you can imagine! It is run fully by volunteers and, now we're up and running, they are more confident in putting the run on and we are getting new people coming to Dunfermline.

"It isn't a competitive race; it's about testing yourself against the clock and we're seeing runners coming in with faster times every week. It's not a proper race and we've had a couple of people running with their dogs, some are running pushing buggies and a few folk have been running with their kids. We're getting quite a few children running as well which is fantastic.

"It's free, so everyone can take part, and we're really pleased with the way it's going. Six months ago we just started so it's growing nicely, and people are coming from all over which is bringing them to Dunfermline when they otherwise might not have come here.

"I think it is a good model and it ticks loads of boxes. I really like the community aspect and it is heartening to see the uplift. When the better weather comes, more people I'm sure will be encouraged to come out and we've had some nice comments about how friendly they find it. Long may the numbers keep on coming."

Borja Martinezcoto and Carol Quoi were first over the line in the male and female categories in times of 19:16 and 22:17 respectively, and you can try to beat those times by registering for the parkrun.

It is completely free and takes place every Saturday in Pittencrieff Park at 9.30am, and for more information and to register, visit www.parkrun.org.uk/dunfermline/.