Eastbourne’s Parkrun could return soon

Parkrun, the weekly 5k public runs which take place up and down the country – including Shinewater Park, have been put on pause due to covid restrictions.

In a statement from the chief operation officer from Parkrun Tom Williams, it was revealed the runs should make a return on June 5 and he said a request has been made to landowners to make sure this can happen.

However, only the Chichester Parkrun has been given the all-clear so far out of 20 sites across Sussex.

Mr Williams said, “At a local level, we are already experiencing significant issues relating to delayed responses, unreasonable bureaucracy, and unnecessary red tape.

“Whilst we completely understand that landowners are under incredible pressure right now, and directors of public health are doing everything they can to keep their communities safe, it’s extremely frustrating that other businesses, activities, and sports, are simply able to return based on a nationally approved date.

“Yet, despite overwhelming evidence that Parkrun events are amongst the safest activities people can participate in, with one of the highest benefits to public health, we are faced with challenges based on opinion rather than evidence.

“If we are unable to overcome those challenges, Parkrun will not be able to return in England.”

Mr Williams said the majority of events need to have been given the green-light by May 21 in order for the June return to take place.

In response to this, Eastbourne Borough Council said, “An approach has been made by Parkrun Ltd, the national organiser of Parkrun events in the UK, to bring the adult Parkrun events back to all East Sussex locations from June 5.

“This is prior to the anticipated easing of all event restrictions on June 21, which includes the easing of the 1-metre rule.

“Following a meeting yesterday (May 10) with East Sussex County Council and Parkrun locations around the county, it has been agreed that adult Parkruns may return from 5 June subject to site specific Covid risk assessments.

“As a result, Eastbourne Borough Council has contacted the local Parkrun organiser to request suitable site and covid-safe risk assessments to ensure the event can return safely at Shinewater Park from 5 June.”

The road map out of lockdown means Eastbourne’s Junior Parkrun for under 15s has been taking place on the seafront since April 18.

For more information on Parkrun, go to https://blog.parkrun.com/uk/category/news/