This weekend marks 250 years since Captain James Cook set sail on board the Endeavour on his first voyage of discovery.
The weekly Parkrun at Stewart Park starts outside the Captain Cook Birthplace museum, and for this week’s event runners have been invited to dress up in nautical or pirate costumes in tribute to the great explorer’s achievements.
The popular run takes in the map of the world depicting Cook’s voyages and passes the granite vase which marks the spot where the famous explorer was born 290 years ago this year.
Among those tackling the 5k course will be Boro Fly Me to the Moon fanzine editor Rob Nichols in full Cook costume.
For all those taking part in Saturday’s event there’s the added incentive of a discounted admission ticket to the museum.
Rob said: “This is a fabulous weekend to take in some exercise as well as a spot of history and culture all in one park.
“People across the globe will be remembering this important date in the Cook 250 anniversaries calendar and it’s really important that we remember Cook in his home village of Marton.”
Councillor Mick Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Culture and Communities, said: “Cook’s remarkable voyages helped to expand our knowledge of the world, but his roots were firmly in Marton and the surrounding area.
“The 250th anniversary is a significant milestone, and the Parkrun is the perfect way to commemorate the achievements of a man who changed history.”
- Parkruns are free to enter – register at www.parkrun.org.uk/stewart/ , print out the timing barcode and turn up on the day for a 9am start.
