AFTER a gap of more than 16 months, Parkrun is returning to Chester and Ellesmere Port.

The weekly fixture saw tens of thousands of runners across the globe take part in the 5k runs, including at the Countess of Chester Country Park and at Whitby Park, Ellesmere Port.

But after the runs on March 14, 2020, Parkrun in the UK came to an abrupt halt along with all other events as the Covid pandemic resulted in lockdowns.

However, with Covid restrictions easing, Parkrun events have been given the go-ahead to return in England from Saturday, July 24.

Such runs are open to those of all ages and abilities.

Parkrun organisers have stressed that all events must follow the Covid Framework, which requires all participants and volunteers to self-assess for Covid symptoms prior to attending, and not to attend if at all symptomatic.

Those without symptoms should obtain free Lateral Flow Tests wherever possible.

Walkers and runners are urged to keep their distance from others where they can, to remain quiet at the pre-race briefing and start line, position themselves in the group to where they expect to finish, and to respect other people's personal space.

Volunteers will be asked to sanitise their hands upon arrival at the course.

Chester Parkrun has held 191 events since it began just over five years ago on July 9, 2016. Between then and it having to stop for Covid lockdown reasons, more than 10,000 individual people have taken part in the events.

Those taking part have been advised the course will be tweaked slightly and the cross-country section has been given a trim ahead of the event's return.

Ellesmere Port Parkrun has been going since October 18, 2014 and has hosted 277 races, with nearly 5,000 individuals having completed the course.

Sadly, over the border, Wepre Park will have to wait a little longer to host Parkrun again, due to separate Covid regulations for Wales.

The Wepre Park course is infamous among those taking part for being one of the steepest courses in the UK, but the rollercoaster route is nevertheless one enjoyed by those who go the distance.

Those who fancy a slower pace can take part in the new Countess of Chester Country Park walking group, which will meet at the park's Friendly Bench every Friday at 1pm from July 30.