Tauranga set a national record for the most runners attending the launch of a parkrun event on Saturday, with 272 runners taking to Kopurererua Valley Reserve.

The run set off at 8am, coinciding with 19 other parkrun events around New Zealand from Whangarei to Dunedin.

More than 30,000 Kiwis take part in these free weekly 5km runs, joining thousands of others around the world since the event began in the UK in 2004.

Event co-director Sally Cooke says the local team of volunteers were 'absolutely delighted” that so many people came to the first Tauranga parkrun.

'The weather just held on for us so we were delighted so many came to join us. We had a contingent from Hamilton parkrun, Lower Hutt parkrun, Rotorua parkrun and even an avid park runner from the UK in the crowd! We had families, friends, kids and dogs, fast runners and slower runners, and walkers too.”

The main aim of parkrun is to get people of all ages and abilities involved. Many of Saturday's participants got together for coffee at the Whipped Baker in the Historic Village after the run.

Runs are timed using a barcode system so participants can keep track of their progress. To register and find out more about parkrun go to: www.parkrun.co.nz/tauranga

If you'd like to be involved as a volunteer – marshalling, operating the timer or scanning barcodes – email [email protected]

The next Tauranga parkrun will be at Kopurererua Valley Reserve at 8am on Saturday, May 5.