Good news for Kingston runners, as another step has been taken to secure the return of parkrun.

Parkrun UK announced on Tuesday that it has applied to land-owners for permission to re-start the runs on June 5.

And junior parkruns have been doing well since the events were allowed to return on April 11, with 135 expected to take place next weekend.

But Parkrun's founder, Paul Sinton-Hewitt CBE, warned in an open letter posted yesterday that the future of parkrun is at stake.

All parkruns were cancelled after the pandemic hit last year due to concerns about social distancing.

"Ever since the first lockdown began I have been worried about whether or not parkrun would survive," Sinton-Hewitt wrote.

"It is no exaggeration to say that the next few days and weeks will be critical for the entire parkrun movement."

He added that he was confident that the majority of UK parkruns would return on 5 June, but emphasised that these volunteer-run events cannot be taken for granted.

"We must all do everything we can to ensure that parkrun is here to be enjoyed for generations to come," he continued.

"That's why I am calling on the entire parkrun community to help support our efforts to return on Saturday 5 June.

"If you can influence and encourage your local landowner to confirm permission quickly, please do so.

"If you'd like to volunteer, let your local event know. If there is anything at all that you think that you can do to help your local team return, please get in touch with them.

"I have always thought that parkrun represents the best of humanity.

"The positivity and togetherness, the support, the warm encouragement. The opportunity to escape, to connect with nature, to find health and happiness through regular community physical activity.

"We need all of that right now. More than ever."

For more information on Kingston parkrun including the route and start times, see the website here: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/kingston/course/

Found this useful? Why not follow us on Facebook or Twitter . You can also sign up to our free weekly newsletter featuring exclusive articles for subscribers! Just type your email address in the box below - it couldn't be simpler than that.