Almost 300 people of all ages and abilities were thrilled to join each other for the return of parkrun in Richmond Park.

The popular 5k run was effectively banned for some 70 weeks, one of the many victims of the Covid-19 lockdown and efforts to combat the spread of the virus.

New safeguards were put in place with runners asked to minimise the amount of time spent in close proximity to each other ahead of the start.

Conditions for running were ideal as the chilly conditions offered some relief from the recent heatwave as some 298 people set off.

Participants ranged in age from babies being pushed along in buggies to people in their late 70s.

And there was an air of celebration as runners set off on what is one of the most challenging of the approximately 500 parkrun courses across England.

Participants included newlywed Di and Andrew Han, who were easily identifiable with their matching outfits, sashes, and love heart balloons. The couple were supported by members of the Fulham Running Club who created an arch as they came across the line.

Run director, Andy Caie, asked participants to stick to social distancing rules, where possible, before the start.

Some runners also wore face coverings as they gathered for the pre-run brief.

He said: "In light of the current climate, please try and walk, jog or run with an aim of making use of all the available space and minimising the amount of time spent in close proximity to each other."

He asked runners, including those with buggies, to place themselves in groups of people of the same speed to avoid any unnecessary overtaking.

There were also safeguards in place at the end of the run to minimise contact when people were collecting and handing in tokens.

These measures were carried out by the team of volunteer marshals the event relies on for its success.

Other parkrun events returned at Old Deer Park, where participants were asked not to bring their dogs, Crane Park and Bushy Park, where an estimated 1,000 people took part.

Paul Sinton-Hewitt, who founded parkrun at Bushy in 2004, told Nub News: "I am delighted to celebrate the restart of parkrun events in England.

"The last 16 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."