Parkrun to make decision on re-start date

A DECISION regarding return of parkrun events to be made on Friday (May 21).

Only 161 of 589 5k events have landowner permission to return and as things stand, the return of the free, weekly, community events hangs in the balance, with organisers confirming that the number of permissions must increase significantly for any of the events to return on Saturday June 5 as planned.

Despite legal permission to return and widespread support from Government, Public Health England and Sport England, a combination of obstacles including misunderstanding the Government’s Roadmap, reluctance, hesitation and unnecessary red tape threatens to delay the return of parkrun indefinitely.

Parkrun UK must make a decision two weeks ahead of their planned return on June 5.

With other sports returning, alongside the reopening of indoor dining and hospitality, further roadblocks to parkrun’s return feel unreasonable, with non-response, red tape and internal administrative processes standing in the way of the inclusive, community physical activity.

Parkrun events have had permission to return since March and operating under a government approved COVID-19 Framework, and with significant success restarting the junior 2k event series, as well as the vital need for people to be active and social outdoors, organisers feel the time is now right for the return of Saturday morning 5k events.

Parkrun events in Gloucestershire: Cheltenham (Pittville Park), Cheltenham (King George V), Cirencester, Fire Service College - Moreton-in-marsh, Forest of Dean (Five Acres), Gloucester City (Gloucester Park), Gloucester North (Plock Court), Gloucester Kingsway, Lydney, Mallards Pike, Newent, Stonehouse, Stratford Park (Stroud), Tetbury Goods Shed, Tewkesbury, Wotton-under-edg. Junior parkruns are held at Cheltenham (University of Gloucestershire Park campus) and Stonehouse.