Tags: COVID-19
This Saturday, parkrun events in Victoria, Australia, will return, and next Saturday we are reopening another nine Russian events, of which four are completely new, taking us to 23 live events there.
Whilst these are relatively small steps, each step is a positive move forward. However, following on from last week’s update, we remain in a position right now where parkrun countries that can reopen have done so, with everywhere else, unfortunately, on hold until their situation changes.
Yesterday in South Africa, as expected, the President announced that ‘Alert Level 3’ would continue until at least 15 February, ruling out a return of any events at this time. In the UK and Ireland significant restrictions are also in place until late February at least, and with the northern hemisphere in the middle of winter, and vaccination programmes only just starting, it’s likely to be a while before we see further positive movement for any more of our events.
Whilst an important part of getting through this challenge is accepting the things we cannot change, it is also knowing that our time will come, and parkrun will return. If you’re reading this then you are undoubtedly passionate about being active with your friends and helping your community do the same. Unfortunately, for the majority of people reading this right now, that simple act isn’t possible.
For the time being, in the areas where we are closed, there is very little we can do to change the situation. Please don’t beat yourself up about that, or think you should be doing more, or that you’re not pulling your weight. Now is the time to focus on your own health and wellbeing, to be kind to yourself, and to be there for your friends and family.
Please be assured that we will continue to work hard behind the scenes to advocate for the return of parkrun events whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so. We will continue to publish these weekly updates, and hope to bring more positive news soon.
Stay safe,
Tom
Tom Williams
Chief Operating Officer
parkrun Global
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