Shropshire Star

Telford's parkrun set for return next month

Organisers of Telford's parkrun say they are hopeful the event will be able to return next month.

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Telford's Park Run could return next month

Telford & Wrekin Council has approved a re-start for the popular event, which prior to the pandemic would attract around 500 runners to Telford Town Park every Saturday morning.

Event director Kim Fawke said they were planning for June 5 but that definite confirmation will be given in the coming days.

There has been concern that if other park runs do not re-start at the same time it could lead to an influx of extra runners, overwhelming the event.

Ms Fawke said that a number of preparations have been made for the event to return, including a longer start and finish section to allow for social distancing.

She said people were eager to see the run return, both for physical and mental reasons.

She said: "We hope it will be June 5. That is the date parkrun are aiming for but it could depend on how many councils give permission for runs to return.

"If others in the county are not open, such as Shrewsbury, it could lead to big numbers and put pressure on the event.

"Telford & Wrekin Council and the town park have approved it. They have seen the Covid assessments in place and based on the information they are happy for us to come back, assuming the national go-ahead is given."

She added: "People are very excited about it coming back because it has had such a huge impact, not just the running side, some of the people who volunteer they have not been doing that and they miss it so much, they want to see people.

"It has had such a big impact with it not taking place.

"As an event director I am looking at making sure we have seven or eight marshals more than before. We are also going to have extra long start line and extra long finish lines."