IF THERE is one person that encapsulates the spirit of the parkrun in Harlow then it is local runner Martin Elven.

Martin’s first parkrun was at the first ever one in Harlow back in November 2014.

Since then, and rarely without his splendid bandana. Martin has become an established part of the 5k run through the town park.

But Martin also goes the extra mile (or kilometre). He often acts as a pacemaker and you can see him cajoling the runners as they aim to get under the target pace.

He is no slouch himself. He ran his first parkrun in 29.34 but has taken that time (in Harlow) down to 24.40.

Martin was given a generous round of applause when he ran his 100th park run on Christmas Eve.

Well done Martin.