HUNDREDS of keen runners, joggers and walkers made their long-awaited return to parkrun.

For the first time in 16 months, fitness fans and families of all ages and abilities gathered on the large green used for events at Lydiard Park to try out a revised route which sought to keep people spaced apart while they completed their laps and arrived at the finish line.

Some made quick work of the two circuits while others enjoyed a more leisurely stroll through the scenic park and the exercise helped fight off the chill of a post-heatwave Saturday morning. Luckily, despite huge grey clouds looming overhead, the rain held off.

Lewis Bird from North Swindon took his less-than-a-year-old son Lennon around in a buggy and reached the finish in 20 minutes.

He said: “I’m really happy it’s back, it was good to blow the cobwebs off and push the little man round – he didn’t complain.

“I’ve done a lot of park runs around the south west – but this was the first time with a buggy. I’m hoping that if he enjoys it from a young age it might inspire him to do it later in life.

“Solo time trials are not the same as running with other people. I’m glad the event’s more spaced out, it feels safer – but it’s not any easier!”

Emma Sperring leads the organisational effort required to bring the Swindon parkruns back after having months of virtual events people could try from home.

She corralled the crowd and prompted cheers and applause for parkrunners new and old as well as the key workers who have done so much during this difficult time.

Emma told the Adver: “Some people have not run at all for all that time, so they’re walking and jogging this time just to warm up and get back into step.

“It was difficult for them to not have this because it might have been some of the only social time they had each week, so I’m super excited to be back.

“I’m really pleased with the turnout, we weren’t sure how many people would come. The virtual runs were good but you miss the atmosphere and the support, people clapping and cheering you on.

“Thank you to Jo Vickers and Ben Elwood who set up the virtual park runs in the first place, and to Matt Holland for his ‘no-run’ reports which he wrote after each virtual event for 70 weeks.”

Coun Keith Williams helped out at the finish line. He said: “I used to run this event when it started, it’s an excellent activity and it’s been great to see it grow and grow from a few dozen to up to 600 people, it’s still well-supported with around 300 here this time.

“It’s a great opportunity to get some fresh air, exercise and socialise, and it raises revenue for the park, from people using the café afterwards.”