The popular 5k run was forced to pause due to Government bans on large outdoor events
CARDIFF’S Parkrun events return this weekend, after they had to pause due to Covid restrictions after Christmas Day.
The Welsh Government shocked organisers when they announced a ban on gatherings of 50 people, and up to 50 spectators at sporting events, just days before the rule came into effect on Boxing Day.
Parkrun is a free timed 5K event held every Saturday morning for adults and children in Bute Park (which is the largest), Trelai Park, Grangemoor and Tremorfa. There are also events in Cosmeston Lakes, Coed Cefn-pwll-du in Caerphilly and Barry Island.
Cardiff Parkrun is expecting around 600 people to attend its first event of the new year tomorrow.
Marcus Meyrick, Event Director of Cardiff Parkrun, said: “We were very disappointed with having to pause our Parkrun after Christmas but fully understand the Welsh Government’s concerns regarding the Omicron variant.
“However, outdoor activities have such a positive effect on people’s physical and mental wellbeing that we are chomping at the bit to restart on Saturday.”
Junior Parkrun, which runs specifically for children aged four to 14 years old, was able to go ahead after Christmas as they were exempt from the 50-person gathering limit.
Many Cardiff runners protested the restrictions on the main events by gathering for a “#NotAParkrun” on Saturday 8 January 2022. They called on the Welsh Government to provide evidence on why outdoor events were restricted.
Andrew Fairclough, who organised the demonstration, said: “Let’s not punish the people who just want to exercise together.”
UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid also criticised the cancellation of Parkrun in Wales.
From today, there are no limits on the number of people who can participate in outdoor activities in Wales, and crowds will now be allowed at outdoor sporting events.
Now, Cardiff runners hope the Parkrun can remain without any further restrictions.
Sharon Davis, who lives in Gloucester but visits Cardiff Parkrun often with friends, said: “I am so glad that our Welsh neighbours get to walk, jog, and run together again as a community.
“Covid has taken so much from us as a society, and it’s grassroots groups like Parkrun that remind us how important connection is. The benefits for your mental health, as well as your physical health, are huge.”
Cardiff Parkrun brings in people of all ages, including the city’s large population of University students.
Emily Williams, 22, who studies at Cardiff University, said: “The Parkrun is the only exercise I do so I was actually quite sad to hear it was cancelled. It’s very happy news to hear it’s going to be back on.
“I go with a friend, so we keep each other motivated to get out of bed and run on a Saturday, and we have a nice cooked breakfast afterwards.”
Those interested in participating in Cardiff Parkrun should register on their website before attending. The event is run entirely by volunteers, who can help by emailing cardiff@parkrun.com.
