Northallerton superheroes proving popular during their daily workout

NHS staff, carers and other key workers are currently proving that not all superheroes wear capes – but they now also officially have the backing of Iron Man, Spiderman, Captain America, Batman and Deadpool.

In April, at the start of lock-down, childhood friends and work colleagues James Norton, Stan Parry, and Phillip Rowel began wearing superhero costumes during their regular afternoon run through Northallerton.

James and Stan both live in Broadacres Housing Association homes.

James (Captain America), Stan (Spiderman) and Phillip (Iron Man), were then joined by Adam Paul (Deadpool) and Zoe Carlton (Batman) and they have now become the talk of the town, with over 1,300 people now members of their Superheroes Run Northallerton Facebook group and people across the town watching from their homes and gardens each evening when they run through the streets.

James said: “Stan, Phillip and I are all key workers and we run every day after work.

“When the lock down started, we continued to run as part of the daily exercise permitted by the government and ensured we always remained 2 metres apart from each other.

“I had seen a picture of someone in London running in a Spiderman costumer so that gave me the idea and the next thing I knew we had bought three costumes and we were running as Captain America, Spiderman and Iron Man.

“We were then joined by Deadpool and Batman and it all spiralled from there.”

The five superheroes run five times a week and change their routes so as many people as possible can see them.

James added: “People watch from a safe distance and we’ve even had permission to clap for the NHS staff outside the Friarage each Thursday evening.

“We just want to put smiles on people’s faces at this difficult time and we have been overwhelmed by the support from the local community.”

Andy Powell, Broadacres’ customer experience director, said: “We’re delighted that two of Broadacres’ residents are behind this fantastic initiative which is bringing joy to people in our communities and doing so in a safe and responsible manner.”