Popular Melton parkrun template is being copied in the USA

Runners at Melton Country Park pre-lockdown. Photo: Tim Williams

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown meant that runners haven’t been able to get their usual Saturday morning fix at Melton Country Park.

Undeterred, regulars found a new way to maintain their exercise, whilst maintaining social distancing and abiding by Government guidelines.

Instead of meeting up to run the 5k distance, runners used their daily exercise allowance to cover the distance individually.

Results are then collated and put together on a weekly spreadsheet, as happens with regular parkruns.

While helping runners maintain physical and mental fitness, the virtual parkrun events also ensure regulars can still enjoy the social aspect.

“Not only did people lose their parkruns, they lost their community and contact with their friends.,” explained Shane Sharkey, the Melton Mowbray parkrun event director.

“The whole idea with the virtual side was trying to keep the conversation going.

“A lot of people don’t just use parkrun for their fitness, or to see how fast they can run 5k, it’s a lot more than that.

“Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the guy who set up parkrun back in 2004, says it was always about the coffee.

“The idea being, runners will run, that’s what they do.

“It’s more about the community we’ve built, seeing the same people, forming those bonds and making those friendships.”

The Melton Mowbray parkrun has proven so successful that other clubs from the UK and USA - from Washington State to Washington DC - have been in touch and used the model to organise runs themselves.

Every Saturday morning a different run director gives a brief on Facebook live, reminding runners to observe social distancing and offering advice about staying safe.

Runners then have until 8pm (9pm on warmer days) to complete their run and post results.

The Melton parkrun attracts around 200 runners each weekend, and similar numbers have been competing during lockdown.

Anyone wishing to take part can find out more information at www.parkrun.org.uk/meltonmowbray/news