Riverfront Parkrun goes ahead despite pop-up picnic area disruption
Parkrun organisers have been faced with the unintentional disturbance after it appeared underneath the landmark Steel Wave sculpture on the banks of the River Usk late in July.
Its appearance drew concern from runners taking part and those involved with the race, whether as event staff or spectators.
This temporary picnic area overlaps with the Parkrun start line, leading to the cancellation of last week's run on July 26 while organisers tried to find a safe solution to proceed with the weekly event.
The new starting area will be in operation for the next six weeks (Image: NQ) The site will be in place until early September and is part of a city centre enhancement led by Newport Now, in partnership with the council.
While the area is intended for residents to enjoy outdoor leisure, its placement has prompted frustration over an alleged lack of planning and consultation.
Despite the cancellation of last week's run, this week's run went ahead with some minor changes that will stay in place for the next six weeks.
The start area now looks entirely different outside the new picnic area.
The start line has been narrowed to avoid the instillation, cutting the area that runners will pass through as they begin the race in half.
To manage this narrowing of the course, a starting funnel has been put in place so that the crowd of runners can stay safe in the smaller area.
Runners are given a safety briefing before the start of the race, to ensure that all participants are clear of the change to the route.
Runners are organised by finish time to ensure they stay safe in the funnel (Image: NQ) Organised by anticipated finish time, this funnel will help keep runners safe from hazards as they embark on their weekly run along the river Usk.
This site is part of a public space that is regularly used for events in the city centre.
This small route adjustment has established that the Parkrun and picnic area are able to exist together in future years.
The Argus approached Riverfront Parkrun and Parkrun UK for a statement on the matter but they did not respond.
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