On Saturday 24th July after 71 weeks of not being able to take place because of Covid, Charlton park saw the return of 320 people who ran, jogged or walked the newly updated Parkrun course in Andover.
Several comments were shared on social media by local Andover people expressing how pleased people were to see it back on again.
“It was so good to be back. I was overcome with emotion a few times, in particular when I was just about to run past the park and there were quite a few volunteers cheering us on. How I’ve missed that“
“I can’t describe adequately how it feels to be back running Parkrun again. Thank you to the Team of volunteers, without you there is no Parkrun“
“Well done to all who got this up and running today. It was lovely to be back and seeing so many smiling faces.“
“Great to be back at parkrun. Thanks to all the organisers and volunteers. I thought u struck just the right balance between safe and ‘normal’
Cllr Phil North who is a regular member of Andover Parkrun posted on his Facebook page, “After 18 long months, it felt fantastic to be back at Andover parkrun this morning. The atmosphere was electric as 320 of us all lined up for the 5km run, walk or jog around Charlton Lakes. Following such a lengthy hiatus, today demonstrated more than ever that parkrun is more than just a run in a park. It’s about improving wellbeing, making connections and people supporting each other to get active, whatever their ability. I’ve missed it so much – and my fitness has suffered as a result. So, thank you to the volunteers for putting on today’s event. It’s great to be back.”
There is no parkrun event next week (31 July) as the Bubble run event is taking place instead but they will be back again on 7th August and every week thereafter. If you’d like to join up visit their website here to sign up its free to join. It takes place every Saturday at 9:00am at Charlton Playing Fields in Andover.
