Suddenly down the path come these 'thundering lycra covered elephants'

It's an increasingly common scene: hundreds of strangers getting together for group runs at parks across the country.

Many are organised by the group Parkrun UK, which encourages people to meet up for a free weekly jog. You can check your time against others online afterwards.

But not if you run at Little Stoke Park near Bristol.

Citing concerns over wear and tear to paths, its parish council voted to become the first to charge Parkrun UK to use its grounds. The decision was greeted with dismay from runners who use it, but Giles Coren - Times columnist and enthusiastic runner - thinks participants should be made to pay.

(Photo: People running in the rain. Credit: BBC)