Parkrun suspended over 'worrying' overtaking issues

A parkrun event has been suspended for two weeks following a surge in attendance and safety concerns over runners overtaking on narrow sections of the course.

Weymouth parkrun, held at Lodmoor Country Park, has been attracting more than 500 participants each week, with 590 people completing the 5km (3.1-mile) route on Saturday.

Organisers said they made the decision after a rise in numbers and, "more worryingly", an increase in reports of runners overtaking in confined areas, causing some participants to be barged into or tripped.

Events scheduled for 22 and 29 August have been cancelled. Organisers expect the parkrun to resume in September once new signage has been installed.

Announcing the decision on its Facebook page, organisers said: "If we want to enjoy our parkrun in the future, we need to take action now.

"We ask each week that everyone keeps to the left side of the path, particularly on the out and back stretch, and most do - but each week we have reports of people overtaking when there isn't room."

It added that every incident reported results in "several hours of work for our core team".

On 1 August, 690 runners and walkers took part in the 600th parkrun at the seaside town.

The nearest other parkrun events are held at the Great Field in Poundbury, Dorchester, and Bridport FC's St Mary's Field.