All of Kent’s parkrun events are expected to take place this weekend despite the sad passing of The Queen.

A decision to go ahead with the 5km events has been made by parkrun HQ and they have issued the following statement.

It reads:

“It was with great sadness that we heard, yesterday evening, that Her Majesty The Queen had passed away. Around the world there are parkrun communities that will be in mourning, and many will be looking to pay their respects.”

“As local communities, where people come together to be active, outdoors, and social, we believe that parkrun events can play an important role in helping us get through challenging times, and as such we look to keep them open wherever possible.”

“As things stand, therefore, we will not be asking any 5k or junior parkrun events to cancel this weekend. However, each individual parkrun event should feel comfortable paying their respects in the way they see fit.”

“In some cases landowners may request that we cancel, or volunteer teams may feel the most appropriate course of action is to not deliver their event; positions we entirely support. Other event teams may choose to hold a period of silence.”

“Please check individual event pages, and the cancellation page, in the usual way, to confirm the status of your local parkrun event. Further updates on parkrun, as plans develop during the period of mourning, will be provided in due course.”

“Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad and difficult time.”

Dartford parkrun have confirmed that they won’t be staging their event, issuing the following statement:

“Good morning, we have just been notified by Dartford Council that the Dartford Central Park Bandstand area, which is included in our parkrun footprint, will be the focal point for the community to lay floral tributes for Queen Elizabeth.”

“It is likely to be an emotional and sensitive time so as a mark of respect the Council have asked us to cancel tomorrow’s parkrun.”

“There is a possibility we may have to cancel next week as well (17th September 2022) but will keep you updated.”

“Dartford Heath will be open as normal anyone who was volunteering at Dartford and would like to volunteer at Dartford Heath just email [email protected]. “

“See you at the Heath.”