Skipton and Keighley Parkrun events won't resume as planned

Plans to resume Parkrun events in Skipton and Keighley from the end of October have been postponed following the latest government announcements on coronavirus.

The Saturday morning events in Skipton's Aireville Park and the grounds of Cliffe Castle in Keighley haven't taken place since lockdown began six months ago, with the final 5k runs taking place on 14th March.

Parkrun had said earlier this month that it hoped events across the UK would be able to resume from late October.

Parkrun's Global Chief Executive Officer Nick Pearson has now confirmed the delay to restarting. "We know that many people will be disappointed to hear this news, and that it is likely to add further to existing anxieties and frustrations," he said. "Please do know that we will continue doing everything we can to support our parkrun family, and we remain committed to reopening parkrun events as soon as circumstances allow and local stakeholders are comfortable.

"Since we announced our intent to reopen in England, from an incredibly positive position and with support from DCMS and the Deputy Chief Medical Officers, things have changed. The Government has introduced new restrictions on social gatherings, local lockdowns have been implemented in several regions, and, earlier this week, the Prime Minister suggested that more stringent measures could be in place right through the winter. Understandably, local public health leaders are anxious about groups of people gathering, and, whilst events such as parkrun are exempt from the six person rule, we feel, at this moment in time, that it would be insensitive to push forward with reopening."

He added that the health of the nation was facing its 'greatest challenge in decades' because of the pandemic. "Inequalities are increasing, and disadvantaged communities are suffering disproportionately," said Mr Pearson. "It is absolutely critical therefore that decisions to restrict activities, particularly where there is a demonstrable public health benefit, are based on robust evidence. And whilst caution should always be taken, where evidence is lacking it should be rapidly developed such that where risk is sufficiently low, activities can be supported to return.

"It is essential that, as we map out the coming weeks and months of our collective efforts to get back on our feet, we look beyond baseless assumptions and a culture of fear, and move toward evidence-based interventions. We must act now if we are to avoid irreparable damage to the health and happiness of our communities."

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