HUNDREDS of people gathered for the first Parkrun since before the Covid-19 lockdown.

Around 350 people took part in the welcome return of the fun, family-friendly run which began at County Hall in Worcester and at other venues across the country on Saturday at 9am.

The last Parkrun was held more than 16 months ago on March 14, 2020, before the first national lockdown. Among those to attend the 464th Parkrun was Chris Garratt, 45, of Old Road North, Kempsey who said: "It's really good to be back. It's something I have really missed."

Sarah Ford, 41, Kate Bone, 44, Bryony Mitchell, 43, Emma Dowinton, 42, and Ali Pay, 47, made up the Muddy Runners from Andover in Hampshire. Some are mental health champions for England Athletics and spoke of the importance of Parkrun for physical and mental health. Mrs Mitchell said: "I have really missed Parkrun - the whole camaraderie, the whole ethos of Parkrun is that everyone is included."

Runners of all ages took part in the 5k run - some brought their babies in buggies, others their dogs. Some walked. Some ran. First across the line was 16-year-old Andrew Jeavons of Warndon Villages, closely followed by his 46-year-old dad Michael. A new route greeted runners which followed more closely the boundaries of the woods. Runners were advised to be mindful of social distancing and a staggered finish helped keep people safe.

Carl Nichols, a Parkrun ambassador, stressed that the event was for all ages and abilities and added: "People love coming here - it's the friendly atmosphere."

Claire Gent, 38, of Tewkesbury preferred the new course. She added: "I felt there was a lot of downhill. It felt harder because I have not done it for ages - I don't think the course is necessarily much harder. It's really good to be back and see people again."

Young volunteers and runners included friends Emma Pound, 17, Nicole Simmonds, 17, Ruby Jarman, 17, Lauren Kennard, 18, and (clockwise from top left, bottom left photo).