Athlete breaks female Parkrun record

A Devon international athlete has broken the UK female record for completing the fastest Parkrun.

Innes Fitzgerald from east Devon, who is the current European U20 champion in both the 3,000m and 5,000m, completed the 5km (3.10m) Parkrun course in 15 minutes 27 seconds.

Fitzgerald took part in the Exmouth Parkrun, part of a national event where people can run, walk or jog, on New Year's Day.

The 19-year-old athlete, who studies sports and exercise science at the University of Exeter, said she only did one or two Parkruns each year.

Fitzgerald, who is also the current European U20 Cross Country individual and team champion, said when the Parkrun started her competitive nature kicked in.

She said she was not aware of the Parkrun record before taking part and said she was pleased with her result, saying there were "ideal conditions".

"It was a cool morning but there was no wind and it's very flat."

"I was pleased with my result, and the world record will be something to look for next time."

Fitzgerald, who grew up near Seaton, said it was "tricky" balancing training alongside her studies, however she had found a "good routine" since living in Exeter.

FitzGerald represented Great Britain in the 5,000m at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

She said her next international races will be in mid-February, and she hopes to qualify for the European Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games in the summer.

"With them being in Birmingham and Glasgow, it makes it extra special being on home soil so hopefully, all going well, we will be in a good place next summer," Fitzgerald added.

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