A RECORD-breaking 717 people crossed the finish line at Warrington's 320th parkrun.

As residents follow up on their New Year's resolutions to get fit or lose weight, the free 5k event has seen large numbers of participants flock to Victoria Park in Latchford.

It takes place every weekend, alongside 600 other parkruns across the UK, in a bid to get people moving in peaceful parkland surroundings.

Since it arrived in Warrington, participants have covered the equivalent of thirteen laps around the world.

In a joint statement, course directors Cal Bardi and Huw Jones, said: "We had an amazing 717 runners and walkers today, which was 94 more than our previous record of 623.

"We beat all our local parkruns by more than 250 runners, which is impressive.

"Considering the vast numbers, I think the course coped well, and the queue at the finish area never went back over the finish line.

"Usually next week’s Parkrun and our birthday the week later are our biggest of the year.

"Who knows if this will be the case this year, or if the predicted week's rain and subsequent increase in size of Lake Victoria, or the self-regulation of people not liking large numbers have an effect."

Warrington parkrun allows people to move at their own pace, spurred on by volunteers through the park, as well as the Trans Pennine Trail and alongside the Manchester Ship Canal.

Potholes along the park path are due to be tackled as soon as funding can be raised from a grant application.

To date 13,874 people have taken part in the weekly event, from course record holders to those who prefer to walk and chat.

The male record stands at 14 minutes and 59 seconds while the female record is 17 minutes and 54 seconds.

Parkrun is free to register and enter and you can find out more information by visiting parkrun.org.uk.