Parkrun event cancelled over planters on route

A Kent Parkrun event was cancelled on Saturday morning after large planters were installed on the route.

Organisers of Cylopark Parkrun near Gravesend said the planters had been placed on a cycle path by Kent County Council following concerns about vehicles using the path.

A spokesperson for the event said it aims to bring the run back in the near future with a redesigned route.

Janet Murray, who has run the course for 13 years, told BBC Radio Kent: "Typically there would be hundreds of people having to navigate their way around those."

She added: "It's really quite dangerous.

"A lot of people have their home parkrun where they see their friends and go for a coffee afterwards, so it's really like a community hub."

Parkrun is a series of events held at 09:00 GMT on Saturday mornings, where people can run, jog or walk 5km at their local park alongside others.

The Cyclopark Parkrun has staged more than 300 events and has had more than 10,000 different finishers.

In a joint statement from the parkrun's organisers and Cyclopark, a spokesperson said course changes were being reviewed so that the event could safely restart.

"New planters have been installed along the path to reduce safety risks and slow down unauthorised vehicles, while fully adhering to the Department for Transport's accessibility guidelines."

A Kent County Council spokesperson said: "The planters are designed to help deter and slow unauthorised access while ensuring the route remains accessible and safe.

"The Cyclopark Charity and Cyclopark Parkrun are working together to get the parkrun back up and running as soon as possible, further to confirmation of a redesigned course.

"We will continue to work closely with the Cyclopark Charity and Kent Police to help ensure the area remains welcoming and enjoyable for everyone who uses it."

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