Popular weekly Park Runs to return to Swindon

The town's two popular weekly Park Runs could once again be returning from next month.

The volunteer lead weekly events have been suspended since March due to the Coronavirus pandemic and social distancing measures put in place by the government.

Park Run UK which governs the free weekly 5K races, have announced that they hope to resume Covid safe events in England from October. 

Nick Pearson, CEO, Parkrun Global said "We know that, whilst the majority of people are likely to welcome this announcement, many people will feel anxious and nervous around the thought of public gatherings. We are here for everyone, and over the coming weeks and months will be providing all the support we can, such that people can feel confident returning to their parks and open spaces."

Swindon has two weekly races that take place within Lydiard Park and at Sevenfields near Penhill on a Saturday morning.

Phil Jefferies, Co-Race Director for the Sevenfields Parkrun told Total Swindon "We are excited to be able to talk about the potential return of parkrun to Seven Fields and Lydiard. Over the period of lockdown, it has become apparent how sport is good for the well being, both physically and mentally, of people, and the positive social aspect of parkrun has been missed by many.

A Covid safe framework for the return of our free to all Saturday 5k runs has been produced, and both Swindon parkruns are ready and well equipped to provide what so many have been eagerly awaiting for."

The news has been welcomed by the town's running community, especially since the Swindon Half Marathon was cancelled last month.

Keep up to date with more information about the Lydiard parkrun here and the Sevenfields parkrun here.