Parkrun back on in England after Covid pandemic suspension

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There were jubilant scenes as thousands of joggers and walkers took part in the first Parkrun events in England since Covid restrictions ended.

The free 5km events resumed in more than 500 parks and green spaces - 16 months since they were suspended due to Covid measures.

Parkrun's Tom Williams said organisers had been "incredibly moved" by the public support for the events.

Organisers hope Parkruns can restart in Scotland and Wales by mid-August.

Events in Northern Ireland resumed at the end of last month.

Under the latest easing of almost all Covid legal restrictions that happened on Monday, outdoor running events including the London Marathon and the Great North Run can also resume.

The Parkrun events, usually held every Saturday, are billed as a chance for people - regardless of age, gender or ability - to regularly run, jog or walk together and enjoy their local park.

Runner, 88, completes 400th Parkrun

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Thousands of people took part in runs across England earlier, with large numbers running the course in south-west London's Bushy Park - home to the first ever Parkrun in 2004.

IMAGE COPYRIGHTPA MEDIA

image captionA runner takes part with a buggy in the Bushy Park event - the largest and oldest event in the UK

IMAGE COPYRIGHTPA MEDIA

'I was nervous about Covid but I felt safe at Parkrun'

Rochelle Bisson, 29, in Bexley, south-east London, said despite being nervous about coronavirus, it was a "really nice feeling" being able to run with other people again.

She said: "It was really fun. I was a little apprehensive because I'm still being a bit careful after all the Covid restrictions.

"I'm a keen runner but I'm quite slow and it was nice to hang back and avoid the crowd and that helped me feel a lot safer."

Ms Bisson, who runs to help her anxiety and mental health, added: "It was a really nice feeling running with other people. I've done some running during lockdown but it's not the same.

"It's nice to run with other people who support you and can cheer you on."

IMAGE COPYRIGHTROCHELLE BISSON

image captionRochelle says she is still being careful but had fun and felt safe at Parkrun

'My next aim is to do 500 Parkruns'

Bob Emmerson, 88, became the oldest person to complete 400 Parkruns when he crossed the finish line at the Northampton event.

Mr Emmerson, who ran with his 67-year-old son, also called Bob, said fellow runners and supporters cheered for him as he finished the race.

He told the BBC it had been a "really pleasant morning that was not too hot or cold" and that his next milestone would be to complete 500 Parkruns.

"If Covid hadn't have happened, I would have been on 470 by now," he said.

"The target is going to be 500 but I will be 90 by that time I think.

"I will just have to take it one week at a time, I can't give it up. If I don't turn up it will be a big event."

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