A free Sunday community run in Otley has reached its first anniversary in great shape.

Guiseley couple Paul Shack and Michelle Smith held their first Run Sunday in Otley Chevin Forest Park in June 2012 and have seen it grow in popularity to now have 600 people registered.

Organised as a way of helping local families and residents to keep fit by taking part in a three-mile run each Sunday, the event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities – and has been backed by several local groups.

It was also nominated earlier this year for a Sport Leeds award.

Paul, 42, looking back on a very successful first 12 months, said: “Our aim in founding Run Sunday was to get local families into fitness by staging a free, timed run every Sunday.

“We decided on Sunday as it is the one day most families have free to spend together.

”It’s been a great success. We have 600 people registered and we regularly get 40-plus runners taking part each week.

“Our youngest runner is five years old and our oldest is over 70.

”It’s a non-commercial venture. We have no funding at all and it’s free for anyone who wants to take part.

“We’ve had great support from local running clubs such as Otley AC, Ilkley Harriers and Fellandale.”

He also paid tribute to the event’s “marvellous” marshals, who ensure the runs go smoothly each week.

The first anniversary was celebrated on Sunday June 23 when the route was reversed – and so toughened – for the occasion. Runs take place in the Chevin each Sunday, with runners meeting at 10.15am for a 10.30am start.

Visit runsunday.com for full details.

l Paul and Michelle will hold a fundraising race for Yorkshire Air Ambulance (and an awareness-raising exercise for Run Sunday) – the Saltaire Shaker, on Sunday, August 4. More details of the 15km, flat, off-road run can also be found on their website.