Community 'park run' movement set to return in Lancashire next month

The weekly Park Run events, that encourage people to run or walk three miles every Saturday morning, are set to resume in Preston, Lytham and Clayton Le Woods by the end of October.
Parkrun events are set to return next monthParkrun events are set to return next month
Parkrun events are set to return next month

Joined by locals in 729 locations in the UK, Parkrun aims to encourage communities to stay active and enjoy their local area by taking part in a 5k run or walk.

In Preston, the course is ran in both Avenham and Miller Parks along tarmac and gravel paths. Other local routes include Lytham Hall and Cuerden Valley park.

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Parkrun events were suspended back in March because of the Coronavirus pandemic, but new guidelines set under their Covid-19 framework outlines how those involved can keep themselves safe from the risk of the virus and socially distance.

And according to their website, it states the reopening of Parkrun events would 'significantly improve the health and wellbeing of many people,' who have been impacted by local lockdowns, such as those seen in Preston, Blackburn and Bolton.

Parkrun's chief executive Nick Pearson said they are not able to commit to the same timeline across the other Home Nations due to lockdown restrictions in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

"However, we are aware of the implications of only opening in England and are continuing our work to overcome the challenges that this present," he said.

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"Everything in life comes with a risk, and we know and accept that we cannot remove all risks from the Parkrun environment. However, it is also important to balance the public health benefits of reopening our events, against the associated public health risks.

Parkrun events are popular weekly sessions in Preston and ChorleyParkrun events are popular weekly sessions in Preston and Chorley
Parkrun events are popular weekly sessions in Preston and Chorley

"We now believe, having spent considerable time gathering and understanding the evidence, that the benefits to reopening Parkrun far outweigh the risks."

The Parkrun movement was first founded in Bushy Park, London in 2002 by Paul Sinton-Hewitt and now operates in 22 countries including the UK, which has celebrated 166,896 events alone.

Ruth Watkinson, 47, from Ashton, lost six stone in 2017 after a long battle with her weight and said that Parkrun was one of the first schemes that encouraged her to lead a fitter lifestyle.

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She said "With parkrun there is a great sense of community because you are running or walking with like minded people who want to appreciate the outdoors whilst getting fit. There are professionals who go every week and also new faces who have never been involved and want to start getting into fitness. It is all about supporting each other.

"i have been going weekly for three years now and it was one of the first things I did to start kicking the weight. At Avenhem park, there have been some Saturdays when hundreds of people have turned up which just shows how important it is to so many people in Preston and internationally."

After losing her mum in May, during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, Ruth said that the social aspect of movements like parkrun are also vital in helping to transform mental health and wellbeing.

"Running is not just about your physical health and that is one thing I really try to promote. It is the ultimate cure after a bad day and is great stress relief. Anyone can pop on a pair of trainers and go round your local park. It is a life saver for people who are isolated in the community because it is almost like a huge family."

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