Tooting: Parkrun 'unlikely' to return at earliest opportunity

Tooting parkrun is 'unlikely' to return on July 24, following an update from its website.

Parkrun recently announced that its runs would be beginning again from July 24 , however, the landowner is still yet to give permission for Tooting Common.

Parkrun said on its website that it is working closely with the landowner to get the run going again, but considering there has been no green light given yet, don't dust off the trainers for the 5k just yet.

Ken Willis, the co-event director, said: "We are working closely with our landowner but are still waiting on landowner permission before the Tooting Common event can restart, so it's unlikely we'll be able to return on 24 July. We are preparing so we can be ready to go if and when we hear. Fingers crossed for a start date soon.

"When we do restart, we'll need lots of lovely volunteers, so please opt in to receive the latest updates by email.

"While we wait, you could helpfully download the parkrun Virtual Volunteer app - the old stopwatches and scanners have gone and results processing is going to be so much easier. We're very likely to need more volunteers to help scanning when we restart, so having the app ready on your phone is always useful.

"Disappointing news for now, but we are hopeful for a restart date soon. Watch this space, or check us out on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram"

What is the parkrun

The parkrun is a free 5km timed run which happens on Tooting Common, SW16 1RT every week.

Usually, it happens on Saturdays at 9am, but due to the Covid-19 it has been halted.

The event is entirely ran by volunteers and is for people of all abilities. People are encouraged to join in whatever their pace.

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