The Co-op and parkrun have joined forces to produce an inspirational video welcoming the nation back to the much-loved 5k events this Saturday.

The video was partly filmed along Richmond riverside and features a number of famous names, including Paul Sinton-Hewitt, who organised the first run in Bushy Park in 2004.

The Royal Parks has given approval for parkrun's return in both Bushy Park and Richmond Park. At the same time, Richmond Borough Council is supporting events in Old Deer Park, Crane Park and Kingston Park.

The Co-op has supported the community events since 2017 and became a partner last year to show its support during the pandemic.

It has worked with parkrun to create a series of videos for Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter under the title 'Welcome back parkrun from Co-op and a few familiar faces!'

The videos, which feature scenes for Richmond riverside and Twickenham riverside as well as Gunnerbury Park, Battersea Park and London Bridge, were created by Co-op and parkrun with ISG, the sponsorship and event marketing firm.

They include contributions from TV and radio presenters Jenni Falconer and Vassos Alexander, former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, a group of former refugees known as the Ugandan Crew, and Co-op employees.

The voiceover includes several of these regular parkrunners describing how they and their families have tried and struggled to cope and stay fit since March last year.

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It concludes with Paul Sinton-Hewitt CBE, saying: "We are really so excited to be getting back in the parks, where we can walk, run, jog and volunteer with all of our parkrun family."

Emma Parkes, Co-op Partnership Manager, said: "Parkrun is all about bringing people together, a community, something which is at the core of the Co-op.

"Whether meeting together in the park, or virtually, parkrun continued to play a part in people's lives throughout the pandemic – promoting health and wellbeing both mentally and physically.

"We are excited that there is now a return to the physical parkrun events in England from this Saturday, and however you complete your 5K, you are always very welcome to be part of that community."

Throughout the pandemic Co-op supported parkrun with its (not)parkrun campaign, which encouraged people to support each other with their fitness activities.

Hundreds of Co-op colleagues took part in an "Around the World" challenge – all designed to bring people together, virtually, and find ways to support their health and wellbeing, both mentally and physically.

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