The return of parkrun in Swindon has been halted after the recent rise in coronavirus cases. 

Two weekly runs usually take place at Lydiard Park and Seven Fields in Penhill but both have been cancelled since March due to the Covid-19 crisis. 

Last month parkrun UK said it was hoping to bring events across the country back in a Covid-safe manner but the recent rise in cases has put a stop to those ideas. 

Global chief executive officer Nick Pearson said: "Sadly, after significant consultation and discussion, circumstances outside of our control have dictated that parkrun cannot return in England by the end of October, as we had hoped.

"We know that many people will be disappointed to hear this news, and that it is likely to add further to existing anxieties and frustrations.

"Please do know that we will continue doing everything we can to support our Parkrun family, and we remain committed to reopening parkrun events as soon as circumstances allow and local stakeholders are comfortable."

New restrictions on social gatherings introduced by the government has been the cause of the cancellation as well as the possibility of further restrictions to come in the winter. 

But Mr Pearson believes parkrun should come back soon or it could start to damage people's health. 

He added: "Whilst we reluctantly accept this reality, parkrun’s absence will come at a cost.

"As we head into winter and face the many associated seasonal health issues (both in terms of Covid-19 and other mental and physical illnesses), we believe parkrun has an incredibly important role to play in supporting public health.

"We also strongly believe that, as existing and emerging evidence suggests, and contrary to popular opinion, that there is little or nominal risk of Covid-19 transmission at outdoor physical activity events such as parkrun.

"Increasingly, we are seeing outbreaks traced to indoor work and social environments, yet to date there is little if any evidence of outbreaks directly resulting from participation in outdoor physical activity events."

"The health of our nation is facing its greatest challenge in decades, inequalities are increasing, and disadvantaged communities are suffering disproportionately.

"It is absolutely critical therefore that decisions to restrict activities, particularly where there is a demonstrable public health benefit, are based on robust evidence.

"And whilst caution should always be taken, where evidence is lacking it should be rapidly developed such that where risk is sufficiently low, activities can be supported to return."