Seaton parkrun marks fourth anniversary under lockdown

Seaton parkrun passed its fourth anniversary this weekend but, sadly, with no celebrations or event due to the current lockdown restrictions.

Parkruns are free, weekly, community events held all around the world but they were stopped in March due to the global pandemic. The timed 5k events have started to return with parkrun now taking place again in Japan, New Zealand, parts of Australia and, closest to home, in Guernsey. 

Back in November 2016, after months of planning, the very first Seaton parkrun took place with 188 runners, walkers and joggers completing the 5k course that takes on the Esplanade and some stretches of pebble beach.

Since that day 174 events have been held – just three cancellations have been necessary due to inclement weather making the course unsafe – with more than 7,000 different parkrunners taking part. 

On an average week, about 180 to 200 participate with the record attendance being 401 on Easter Saturday last year. The Christmas Day event has been very popular with 341 starting their Christmas with a parkrun last year. 

It has all been made possible by a team of volunteers who, week in and week out, in all weathers, set up the course, marshal, time, cheer on runners and process the results. 

Seaton parkrun is one of 729 events across the UK with hundreds more across many parts of the world.  Prior to the Pandemic, parkrun was expanding rapidly with new countries joining in because of its obvious contribution to a healthier lifestyle.

Many parkruns, including Seaton, attract tourists and after completing parkun the visiting runners and their families can enjoy all that Seaton has to offer.

Carol Austin, event director for Seaton parkrun and an ambassador for parkrun in the South West, said: "Seaton has really embraced parkrun. We have a fantastic team of volunteers who are so willing to help sometimes in atrocious weathers; there is such a buzz on a Saturday morning along the Esplanade and, afterwards, the cafes all welcome the runners, walkers and spectators so it is great for the town. We can't wait to be back."

There have been a number of 'virtual' events to keep parkrunners engaged during the pandemic. An online quiz takes place every Saturday at 9am and parkrunners can also log a their own individual 'parkrun' by completing any 5k at anytime through the week. 

During the second national lockdown, the Seaton parkrun core team set a challenge for parkrunners to complete a Mile A Day, with some ideas provided for each day. It is hoped this will encourage any parkrunners struggling to get out to take that first step and has really taken off, with many sharing their runs or walks on the Seaton parkrun Facebook page. 

The core team, plus a few other volunteers, have also carried out regular, socially-distanced beach cleans on Saturdays. This has temporarily stopped during lockdown but they hope to resume soon.

Everyone is welcome at parkrun - you can run, jog or walk. For more information or to sign up to parkrun visit www.parkrun.org.uk/seaton