'We're dropping a lap' - Walsall Arboretum parkrun explains why it is changing route over safety challenges
Hundreds of runners at Walsall's growing Arboretum parkrun will be taking on the challenge of a new route this weekend.
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The popular event held on Saturdays at 9am for the last 13 years has attracted even more numbers since the 2020 coronavirus pandemic lockdown. As a result the 5km route is being changed to two longer laps instead of three laps from this weekend.
The organisers said due to the sheer numbers staking part it had become a challenge to keep runners and other park visitors safe at the park off Broadway North.
The arboretum parkrun website stated: "Since parkrun started at the arboretum in 2012 we’ve had a variety of courses, but the main feature has always been that they were three laps. Our attendance is now regularly in the high 400s, early 500s, which is more than we had prior to the Covid pause.
"It’s fair to say that keeping runners safe is becoming a challenge, especially when you consider that there will be a period of time during the event where there will be participants on their third lap passing people on their second and first. Adding in other arboretum users with whom we share the space, a change needed to be made.
"With the support and approval of the council, effective from May 17 we will move to a two-lap course that uses both ends of the arboretum. We anticipate that this will allow parkrunners to spread out more during the event, minimising any overtaking issues as well as allowing more space for other park users."
Among its biggest crowds on record was on Christmas Day when 664 hardy participants took on the three laps at 9am with the support of 37 volunteers.
Parkrun is among the most successful national keep-fit initiatives to be launched with many towns and cities attracting hundreds of participants every week.
Wolverhampton 89-yearold Clive Jukes completed his 500th run at the city's West Park on the weekend after signing up 12 years ago.
The West Park parkrun made alterations to its route earlier this year too, changing from anti-clockwise to clockwise so as to avoid congestion at the start.
Other park running sites include Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield; Brunswick Park, Wednesbury; , Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich; and Chasewater near Brownhills; Telford Park and Shrewsbury's Quarry.
