Siân Gwenllian, Member of the Senedd for the constituency of Arfon, has called for clarity on the Welsh Government’s intentions to allow group outdoor exercise to resume such as ‘Penrhyn Park Run’ at Penrhyn Castle in Bangor.
Parkruns were stopped in Wales during the first lockdown in March 2020 and no date has been set for the return of the events, but it is hoped there will be better news for runners at the next review of restrictions in Wales next week.
The popular activity sees people come together across various parks and open spaces for a 5k walk, jog or run on Saturday mornings.
In her letter to Dawn Bowden MS, Deputy Minister for Sport, Siân Gwenllian MS called for clarity on Penrhyn Parkrun, hailing the project as one that “promotes good physical and mental health, as well as friendly communities.”
The MS said: “I have asked for clarity on the Welsh Government’s intentions in moving forward to allow such exercise to resume.
“It can be done with measures in place to ensure the safety of participants and volunteers and compliance with Covid-19 rules.
“Parkruns as a concept have been recognised as schemes that promotes good physical and mental health, as well as promoting friendly communities while creating opportunities for individuals to socialise and make new friends.
“In light of concerns about the health of our citizens following the lockdowns and recognition that the health and wellbeing of the people of Wales needs to be promoted in order to reduce the pressure on our NHS, I would hope that there is a desire to see Parkrun events return as soon as possible.”
Asked for a comment, a spokesperson for Penrhyn Parkrun said: “Penrhyn parkrun, along with all other Parkruns in Wales stopped during March of 2020 due to the lockdown. It is yet to restart as the restrictions for such activities are still in place. Once these restrictions are lifted, and, in collaboration with the landowners and the volunteers that help make Penrhyn parkrun what it is, we will be back.”
Photo: Penrhyn Parkrun Facebook
