THE Bournemouth Parkrun has been cancelled after travellers entered the site.
The event was due to take place at Kings Park in Boscombe at 9am on Saturday.
The Parkrun event director said: "It is with huge regret that we have to cancel tomorrow’s event as we cannot guarantee the safety of our participants and volunteers.
"After a discussion with BCP parks team, and our Core team, we have come to the joint conclusion that even if the travellers move on, there will not be time to ensure the grounds are clean, safe and secure from vehicles or rubbish.
"In addition to this, if they are still there then I am not prepared to risk the safety of our participants and volunteers, and it is with regret that I have had to cancel an event so soon after taking over the role of Event Director. Parkrun has only just come back after an absence of 77 weeks.
"The first two weeks have been fantastic and we look forward to next week when hopefully we will be back."
The travellers were positioned in and around the start area, as well as the new finish area.
One runner commented: “Thanks for the update. So sorry to hear this. Frustrating for all involved with Parkrun. It was to have been my first week back too. You've made the right decision though.”
Councillor May Haines, BCP portfolio holder for community safety, said: “It is regrettable that the organisers of Parkrun have had to make this decision at such short notice.
“We sympathise with those due to take part this weekend, who will undoubtedly be disappointed by this news. As part of our standard process for managing unauthorised encampments, we will carry out the relevant assessments and will continue to monitor the site regularly."
On the Council website, a statement reads: “BCP Council is aware of the Unauthorised Encampment in Kings Park Bournemouth (on the sports fields at Clearance Road/Harewood Avenue end of the site) consisting of three living units and associated vehicles.
“The required assessments have been carried out and the site is being visited regularly.”
Parkrun is a weekly community event which takes place each Saturday morning in parks across Britain.
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