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Runners were left delighted this morning as the Harrogate Parkrun returned after more than a year away.

Parkrun, which has events held across the country, fell victim to the covid pandemic in March 2020.

It left runners without the free weekly 5k run on a Saturday morning for 16 months.

The event has seen numerous false starts in returning, including a delay last month after the government pushed back the lifting of remaining covid restrictions until July 19.

But, parkrun returned this morning with hundreds turning out on the Stray to take part.

Walkers, joggers and runners all turned out for the long-awaited comeback.

Ted Welton, event director volunteer at Harrogate Park Run.

Ted Welton, event director volunteer at Harrogate Park Run.

Ted Welton, event director volunteer at Harrogate Park Run, told the Stray Ferret that he was delighted to have the run back.

He said:

“It’s just amazing. We had so many false starts where we thought we were going to come back and it didn’t.

“Now feels like the right time. Outdoor exercise is probably the safest thing people can be doing. We have put in a load of mitigation measures so people are staying apart.

“It’s just awesome to be back.”

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