OSWESTRY'S Parkrun returns on Saturday (July 24) following a 16-month hiatus.

The popular running event, known as Henley Wood Parkrun, gets underway from 9am and takes in two 2.5km loops through the fields behind Cabin Lane and Aston Way.

It was postponed indefinitely in March 2020 along with ParkRuns across the country due to the the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers said they were "excited" to get going again.

Ellen Harrison, who was one of the founders of the event in 2018, said: "I think there are a couple of people who are apprehensive but most of us are excited to get back to it.

"We have no idea on numbers for Saturday but that's no different to any other Parkrun – I'm just happy to see it returning."

READ MORE: WATCH: More than 160 runners cross the line in Oswestry's first park run

Ellen confirmed the event will take place as part the official Parkrun Covid-19 regulations so runners will be encouraged to not stand in groups, but there will be no need to wear masks.

She urged people use "caution" on the day.

During the interim period runners have been encouraged to take part in a virtual Parkrun which sees them run within the lockdown rules and record their times online.

Ellen added: "The virtual Parkrun has kept us going but it will be good to be back."

A spokesperson for Parkrun added: "The restart of 5k events in England marks a huge step forward for Parkrun’s return to normality, with a large percentage of our events taking place there. But there’s huge progress across the rest of the home nations too.

"Parkrun has been fully up and running in Northern Ireland since Saturday, June 26 , when 29 5k events welcomed back more than 4,000 walkers, joggers and runners, supported by almost 500 volunteers.

"Meanwhile, we’re working towards Saturday, August 14 as a restart date for 5k events in both Wales and Scotland, at which time we’ll also welcome back 11-14 year olds as finishers at junior events in those locations on the following Sunday, August 15. Please do keep an eye out for further information and confirmation on our channels nearer the time."

* The Henley Wood ParkRun begins at 9am on Saturday and begins on the Broadlands Way Playing Field in Oswestry.