Parkrun cancelled after runners stung by hornets

A parkrun in Nottingham has been temporarily cancelled after some runners were stung by hornets, and at least one person went to hospital for treatment.

Bestwood Village Parkrun said on social media it had an "unexpected issue" with a number of runners being stung - "some multiple times" - in the past two weeks.

On Wednesday, organisers confirmed in an update that there was a native hornets' nest in a tree next to the running course in Bestwood Country Park.

They said they had made the decision to cancel the run on 12 September and give the hornets space.

The post reads: "Turns out we've got some interesting neighbours on the course!

"With help from the local wildlife group, we've confirmed there's a native hornets' nest in an old tree right by the course on our first hill.

"Hornets are super sensitive to vibration and CO2, which explains why a group of us running past sets them off.

"Did you know that one sting can quickly prompt others nearby to join in, so best to give them space."

The decision to cancel the parkrun was taken on Sunday.

"We won't be running past the nest until the colony settles down," organisers said.

"We don't have a firm timeline yet and it could be a few weeks, but the core team are looking at our options and will keep you posted as soon as we know more."

Johnny Leaper, who takes part in the Parkrun, said he was stung on 29 August.

He told the BBC it was "very painful" and added: "I swore when I shouldn't have done."

The 55-year-old added that the race organisers were "really concerned" and it was "no surprise" when the run scheduled for 12 September was cancelled.

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