King Charles surprises joggers at Sandringham parkrun event

If you were one of the runners at the Sandringham parkrun, the chances are one of the voices cheering you on was King Charles.

Running while being cheered on by equally enthusiastic spectators can be exhilarating – and also extra pressure if you happen to spot the monarch watching on.

That’s what happened at Sandringham parkrun today as King Charles made the trip to the sidelines as a spectator ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4.

In partnership with the Move Against Cancer’s 5k Your Way, the 5km event had attracted several runners, who did two laps around the Sandringham Estate.

Those not too focused on the challenge might have spotted the monarch with the run ambassador, Sarah Byatt.

In case anyone missed him, Sarah held a sign saying ‘Yes, that really was His Majesty the King on your first lap.’

This is the second time Charles has joined the run.

Last year, he chatted to participants at the visitor centre on his Norfolk estate.

The 77-year-old monarch has spoken about his own journey with cancer after Buckingham Palace announced his diagnosis on February 5, 2024.

Last month, Charles urged millions of people who are not up to date with the cancer screening to take up the ‘opportunity.’

He also revealed his cancer treatment is being cut back this year, crediting the ‘good news’ to early diagnosis, successful care and following ‘doctors’ orders.’

The monarch said: ‘Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.

‘Now, I have heard this message repeatedly during my visits to cancer centres across the country. I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life, even while undergoing treatment.

‘Indeed, today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders’, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year.’

He continued: ‘Too often, I am told, people avoid screening because they imagine it may be frightening, embarrassing or uncomfortable.

‘If and when they do finally take up their invitation, they are glad they took part.

‘A few moments of minor inconvenience are a small price to pay for the reassurance that comes for most people when they are either told either they don’t need further tests or, for some, are given the chance to enable early detection, with the life-saving intervention that can follow.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.