Basildon parkruns to return this Saturday

Basildon Council confirmed several running events will return to the borough on Saturday, after months of waiting for Covid restrictions to ease.

Parkruns are a 5km event for walkers, runners, volunteers and spectators.

The three established Parkruns that will return to the borough every week from Saturday are at Northlands Park in Pitsea Lake Meadows in Billericay, and Wickford Memorial Park.

Council bosses are getting involved on Saturday too.

A keen runner - Basildon’s mayor David Dadds - will start the parkrun at Lake Meadows in Billericay.  The council’s chief executive Scott Logan will start the event in Wickford Memorial Park.

READ MORE:

• Strike action to continue over Southend teacher's pension row
• Naked man flashed women while eating a banana in a field

The Parkrun courses are run on a mixture of tarmac paths, trail paths and grass.  Some sections of the course may accumulate mud, leaves and puddles after rain runners have been warned.

Craig Rimmer, chairman of the leisure and environment committee, said: “Parkruns are such a great thing and I’m delighted that they are scheduled to return.  They keep residents active and get them out in our parks, allowing them to experience all the benefits that spending time in the outdoors can bring.  “The social element -especially now on this side of the pandemic, is so important and something I’m sure participants really can’t wait to get back to.

“I encourage all residents to take part; adults, families, whether you’re a keen runner or just fancy a social walk with friends, family, or other friendly participants, it’s a really inclusive environment that you’ll be fully welcomed into.”