Latest on Weymouth parkrun restarting

Hopes have been dashed of parkrun returning anytime soon to Weymouth.

The weekend running events in Lodmoor park have not taken place since the Covid-19 lockdown in March.

But in an email on the 25th September 2020 to the parkrun community and its volunteers, parkrun UK have announced that it is still not possible to resume parkrun.

The parkrun UK email says:

"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."

The free weekly, timed 5k run, walk or jog usually takes place at 9am every Saturday.

REOPENING WOULD BE 'INSENSITIVE'

Since parkrun's recent announcement about reopening in England, things have changed.

The Government has introduced new restrictions on social gatherings, local lockdowns in several regions, and earlier this week, the Prime Minister suggested more stringent measures could be in place right through the winter.

The parkrun email goes on to say:

"Understandably, local public health leaders are anxious about groups of people gathering, and, whilst events such as parkrun are exempt from the six person rule, we feel, at this moment in time, that it would be insensitive to push forward with reopening."

It reluctantly accepts the reality, but parkrun's absence could come at a cost, especially as we head into winter and face seasonal health issues (both in terms of COVID-19 and other mental and physical illnesses). The parkrun family say it plays an incredibly important role in supporting public health. Parkrun say that contrary to popular opinion, there's little or nominal risk of COVID-19 transmission at outdoor activities such as parkrun.

NATION'S HEALTH A PRIORITY

Bosses at parkrun say the health of the nation is facing its greatest challenge in decades, inequalities are increasing, and disadvantaged communities are suffering disproportionately. They say it's absolutely critical that decisions to restrict activities, particularly where there's a demonstrable public health benefit, are based on robust evidence.

They are now mapping out the coming weeks and months to get back on their feet.