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Runners at the Reunion 5K at Kempton Park race course

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15-05-2021
1

min

A big step forward

Big step forward for return of mass participation sporting events after Reunion 5K

Runners flocked to the Reunion 5K today [Saturday 15 May] at Kempton Park in a significant step towards the return of mass participation sporting events. 

As part of the government’s Events Research Programme, the Reunion 5K saw runners split into two very different races. Race A was held with social distancing measures in place, with runners setting off in socially distanced pairs every three seconds, while Race B involved a mass start with no social distancing rules in place at all. 

All runners and spectators had to take a Covid-19 PCR test on the day of the event and will be asked to take another test on Thursday as part of the data collection. Everyone entering the Kempton Park venue also had to provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 lateral flow test.

May 15, 2021 ·

1 mins read

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"We all need the joy and inspiration of running together again – it’s so important for the mental and physical health of the nation."

Hugh Brasher

Event Director, London Marathon Events

Hugh Brasher, Event Director for London Marathon Events, who took part in the second, non-socially distanced race, said: “What an amazing day. It was incredible to be back on the start line, shoulder to shoulder with fellow runners, for the first time for 15 months. This is such a significant step towards the return of mass participation events across the UK – from parkrun to the London Marathon. We all need the joy and inspiration of running together again – it’s so important for the mental and physical health of the nation.” 

The first runner to finish in Race A, the socially distanced event, was Ollie Garrod from Surbiton, who crossed the line in 15 minutes and 18 seconds – the fastest time of both races. 

He said: “That was brilliant. It was really well organised, we all felt safe and it’s so good to be back running together. I’ve got a place in the London Marathon in October and this is a massive step towards that.” 

The event was organised by London Marathon Events and supported by the Mass Participation Sports Organisers (MSO), a collection of the UK’s biggest mass participation sports organisers including parkrun and Great Run, the organisers of the Great North Run.

London Marathon Events would like to thank DCMS, Public Health England, Surrey County Council and Spelthorne Borough Council for their assistance, and to Kempton Park for making the venue available.

LME’s registration system partner njuko provided the entry system at no cost, while InEvent Branding also supplied the start and finish gantries and other event branding free of charge.