Running into difficulty: popular event returns but some slam changes

A POPULAR coastal parkrun is back after four months but a route change has triggered complaints from some.

- By OWEN HUGHES

The Conwy Parkrun attracts hundreds of runners for the scenic 5km every Saturday morning.

But it has been suspended for around four months while a major upgrade takes place on parts of the coastal path - aimed at increasing walking and cycling connectivity between Glan Conwy, and Conwy and Llandudno Junction.

This week the volunteer organisers announced the event will return on Saturday. While many welcomed the news of the return of the run and the social side around it there have been complaints over the new route.

Previously the event started and ended at RSPB Conwy with runners doing loops across the Conwy embankment and up to Deganwy on the coastal path.

Now the route will start at the lower path on the Conwy cob with loops of the embankment, and a run to Deganwy and back, before ending at RSPB Conwy.

Under the new format all parking options will require a walk of around 10 minutes to the start and potentially further at the finish with the options including Tesco in Llandudno Junction, Vicarage Gardens pay and display car park, Conwy, and Canolfan Fusnes Conwy Business Centre in Llandudno Junction.

The small band of core organisers explained that the change was made to future proof the event due to concerns that its growing popularity was causing over-spill issues at the RSPB car park and the potential for further growth would exacerbate this.