Epsom runner Ollie Garrod is fast becoming a parkrun legend, and if his regular Saturday morning pace is anything to go by, he will be a legend sooner rather than later.

The Epsom & Ewell Harrier clocked 100 5km parkruns earlier this month, and he boasts an astonishing 60 wins – including 38 at Nonsuch Park.

He stands fifth in the Nonsuch all-time record holders having recorded 15 minutes 37 seconds in April last year – the record, 15:07, is held by Kojo Kyereme.

But the 22-year-old is quick to recognise that parkrun is not all about his achievements at the front of the leading pack, rather a perfect example of London 2012’s legacy.

He said: “It’s amazing to be a part of parkrun and to have competed in so many races.

“It’s something that’s not just known all over the country, but all over the world and it’s great to be involved in it.

“I got involved with parkrun about eight years ago and it’s been great for me.

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“I’ve seen it develop over that time and I think it has been so successful because it gives people the chance to run every week, it’s on your door step and it’s free.”

He added: “Parkrun is very much fulfiling the Olympic legacy.

“People can go for a run in any part of the country and it gives you the chance to socialise while keeping fit at the same time.”

Parkrun is not the only running in Garrod’s life as he leads much of Epsom & Ewell Harriers’ cross-country exploits from the front.

Last weekend he competed at the National Cross-Country Championships on Parliament Hill, finishing the senior men’s 12km in 47:27 for 339th – he was joined by clubmate Andrew Fay (55:22).

And while he owes much to the Harriers for his parkrun success, he also recognises that Harriers have taken much out of parkrun.

He said: “I joined Harriers in about 2007 and since then they’ve offered me lots of opportunities in terms of coaching and keeping in the sport.

“It means I can compete in events with the club, such as cross-country and track, but then also take part in parkrun and get all the benefits that brings personally.”

He added: “Harriers were recently relegated to Division Two [in the Surrey Cross-Country League], which was a blow, but we have a lot of promising young athletes coming through.

“Parkrun has been great in helping these youngsters because it gives them the chance to get involved in running.

“We’ve been able to recruit a lot of athletes through parkrun and they’ve been flourishing since joining us.”

For more on the club go to eandeharriers.co.uk, and for more on parkrun go to parkrun.co.uk.