Regular parkruns across Suffolk have returned to pre-pandemic levels, with thousands of people taking part every week.
Data shows parkuns across the county saw an average of 2,980 people taking part each week during 2024, with 2,218 people volunteering at one or more events.
Christmas day saw nine of the 17 Suffolk 5km parkruns hold a festive event, with 1,970 people taking part. Bury St Edmunds parkrun, in Nowton Park, topped the attendance charts, with 462 people completing the festive run.
First Bury St Edmunds parkrun of the year. Picture: Mark Westley
Parkruns are free weekly, community events which participants can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.
Over the past 12 years, Suffolk County Council has provided funding to set up about 95 per cent of the parkruns established in the county.
There are now 26 parkruns in Suffolk, including nine junior events.
Steve Wiles, county council cabinet member for public health and public protection, said: “It is so encouraging to see activities like parkrun returning to pre-pandemic levels. I hope many more residents will go along in 2025 and experience it for themselves.”
A parkrun spokesperson said: “We are delighted to see the contribution parkrun is making to the health and wellbeing of Suffolk participants. Numbers continue to grow and many parkruns had record numbers attending over the Christmas period.”