After several false starts the global running phenomenon, parkrun, finally returned on Saturday 24 July. The City of London Corporation has given the go ahead for the event to return to Wanstead Flats, with some changes to make the event Covid secure for runners. At least 90 per cent of England’s parkrun events needed the green light from councils and landowners to start up again. This was due to the large attendances and previous delays to the restart date and the postponement of lockdown restrictions easing.

Started in 2004 in Bushy Park, Teddington, it now has events every Saturday and Sunday in 20 countries around the world. A simple concept: turn up every Saturday and walk, jog, or run 5 kilometres, if you’re a junior then 2 kilometres every Sunday. Parkrun emphasises that it’s not about your running ability, it’s the taking part and getting moving that counts. Parkrun is free but you will need to register and print off your barcode to get a timed result. People can also volunteer in numerous different roles such as marshalls or barcode scanning.

Paul Lewis, director at parkrun Wanstead Flats, said: ‘It was with great excitement (and some nervousness), that the core team at Wanstead Flats parkrun prepared for the return of the event after 16 months, we missed both our 9th and 10th year anniversary events, so to all be back together again will be very special. We are very interested to see how the day will proceed and are looking forward to welcoming back old faces as well as new.’

Just before life got weird, I completed my 50^th run and in doing so received a converted parkrun t-shirt which runners can claim for completing 25, 50, 100 and 250 parkruns. Volunteers and junior participants are also able to claim similar milestone t-shirts. If you would like to attend or want more information, please check out www.parkrun.org .

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