County's Parkrun return to pre-pandemic levels

A county's Parkrun participation has returned to levels seen prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a council.

Last year, Suffolk's 17 Parkrun events, where people run or walk 5km (3 miles) on Saturday mornings, had an average of 2,980 people taking part.

Suffolk County Council's data also revealed that 2,218 individuals volunteered at one or more of the events, which are free to take part in.

Cabinet member for public health and protection, Steve Wiles, said he hoped more residents would consider the events this year.

"It is so encouraging to see activities like Parkrun returning to pre-pandemic levels and I hope many more residents will go along in 2025 and experience it for themselves, whether that's as a runner, volunteer, or spectator," he said.

"Parkrun is a fantastic example of a sustainable initiative run by the community for the community, which can have a hugely significant impact on the health and wellbeing of our residents."

Junior Parkruns are also held on Sunday mornings covering a distance of 2km (1.2 miles).

A spokesperson for Parkrun said they were "delighted to see the contribution" it had made in Suffolk.

On Christmas Day, nine of the 17 Suffolk Parkruns held festive events with 1,970 people taking part.

Bury St Edmunds in Nowton Park topped the attendance chart with 462 people taking part.

Other Parkruns take place in Brandon, Sudbury, Lowestoft, Ipswich, Sizewell, Alton Water and many other places across the county and country.

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