Saturday October 29 is the fifth anniversary of the free 5km community running event. It set a 350 person record at its opening run on October 31, 2015.

It's a solemn moment this year after months of coronavirus lockdown, but also one filled with excitement for event director Jon Binskin.

"This year it will be a bit disappointing because there's nothing happening. I think it's our fifth birthday this year, which would have been a good one to celebrate," he said.

"However my understanding is that we are not that far from starting up again, that's pretty exciting. My understanding is that we can have 500 people outside as an event and there are only three parkruns in NSW which are stopping us from achieving that.

"parkrun is trying to open the whole region and the last I heard they wanted an exemption to get NSW up and running. During last week we have been asked to supply a map of our start location and how we can fit one person per four square metres.

"I reckon there is a good chance we will be up and running by the end of the year, fingers crossed."

Mr Binskin said there has been mixed success with a virtual 5km 'Not Parkrun' event held globally each week since the coronavirus lockdown began.

parkrun Global is delighted to see parkrun events in Japan and Western Australia restart earlier this month, chief operating officer Tom Williams said in an official blog update released on October 27.

"Alongside parkruns currently operating in New Zealand, other Australian states and Territories, and the Falkland Islands, we saw 89 events welcome more than 8,500 walkers, joggers and runners," Mr Williams said.

"It is absolutely heartwarming to see some of our parkrun communities coming back together again. Bit by bit, we are getting there.

"This weekend parkruns in Guernsey, Australian Capital Territory and in the Isle of Man will also reopen, taking us to more than 100 events happening across the globe. And we are pleased to announce the expected return of parkrun events in Namibia, on 14 November.

"We continue in conversations with our stakeholders, global staff team, local teams and volunteers to progress, where we can, any further opportunities to bring parkruns back in our other territories.

"In the northern hemisphere, as winter encroaches, many of our regions are experiencing a rise in new infections and, in turn, an increase in restrictions.

"With the passing of each day we see change across all 22 countries in which we operate."

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