Stop watches on hold as Parkrun return put back

JOGGERS have been told they will have to wait for the return of the popular weekly Parkrun events.

The free, volunteer-run event usually operates on a weekly basis but has been suspended since March due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Organisers had hoped to resume the events at the end of October but those plans have now been delayed by new lockdown restrictions.

Parkruns involve a 5km run, walk or jog and operate in thousands of locations around the world, including on Saturday mornings at Edge Hill University and Tawd Valley.

Each participant is timed, but the event is not designed to be a race and instead focuses on being communityled and encouraging regular participation to attract people of all abilities and backgrounds.

Southport’s version of the event has proved particularly popular and has attracted national attention through local GP Dr Simon Tobin’s invitation to patients to attend.

Announcing the news, Parkrun CEO Nick Pearson said: “Sadly, after significant consultation and discussion, circumstances outside of our control have dictated that Parkrun cannot return in England by the end of October, as we had hoped.

“We know that many people will be disappointed to hear this news, and that it is likely to add further to existing anxieties and frustrations.

“Please do know that we will continue doing everything we can to support our Parkrun family, and we remain committed to reopening parkrun events as soon as circumstances allow and local stakeholders are comfortable.”