More than 1000 people turned out for the return today (23 July) of the famous 5k parkrun in Bushy Park.

Runners of all ages, pram pushers, wheelchairs, blind runners and runners with their dogs on leads gathered at the start point near the Diana Fountain.

After hearing their instructions through the loudspeakers they set off at 9am sharp as usual, with a sea of smiling faces.

Volunteers lined the route to ensure runners kept to the course and received grateful shouts of "thank you marshalls!" for giving up their time.

The Bushy Park parkrun was the first ever to be launched in 2004 by Paul Sinton-Hewitt and the run now has 5 million participants registered worldwide.

But the popular Teddington time trial has been cancelled for 16 months due to the pandemic, leaving many to wonder when it would come back.

Since its hiatus the event has made some changes including amending its start line to avoid tree roots and anthills.

Parkrun Founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt told Teddington Nub News: "While my thoughts are with all those parkrun events, volunteers and participants still in lockdown, I am delighted to celebrate the restart of parkrun events in England.

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"The last sixteen months has required a huge effort from the team and immense courage from the public as we have navigated the mysterious path towards returning but due to the passion and sheer force of will we are back in England.

"It's a huge relief even if I know we are only at the start of our efforts to get the whole parkrun world back.

"I am constantly thankful to everyone who has helped to make this possible with special mention to land owners, staff, ambassadors and volunteers."

For more on Bushy parkrun and how to take part click HERE