The future of Maidstone’s popular parkrun was back on a firm footing this week after doubt was cast about its location.

Kent Life, the venue for the popular running event set up two-and-a-half years ago, changes hands at the end of November.

Hundreds of have-a-go athletes were left wondering if their weekly workout would be allowed to continue under new management Planning Solutions Ltd, which had been appointed to take over by Maidstone Borough Council.

Parkrun’s current contract with Continuum Attractions will end on Monday, November 30.

An email from Continuum Attractions to organisers said the last race would have to be this Saturday, however the new contractor has now stepped in to reassure runners.

The free 5km community dash leaves Lock Lane, Sandling, at 9am every Saturday, before travelling along the river, through Whatman Park and back to Kent Life.

Donna Carr, the driving force behind its creation, posted a message on social media site Facebook, sparking a massive response from concerned members.

The 53-year-old said: “It isn’t just a run, it’s a community of friends that support each other and encourage one another. We have families come along to take part, from toddlers, teenagers, parents and grandparents.

“It gives completely different generations something in common and something to talk about. I’m delighted it will be going ahead.”

Mrs Carr, who lives in Waters Edge, Maidstone, was previously a regular at the Whitstable gathering, making a round-trip of 50 miles for her parkrun fix, but was able to generate enough interest to get a new event started in her home town.

On Monday, the new operating company, Planning Solutions, made contact with the Kent Messenger to thank us for bringing the issue to its attention and allaying fears.

Chairman Mike Stickland said: “Planning Solutions is very open to continuing to work with parkrun at Kent Life. At another attraction we manage in the Midlands, a parkrun is a weekly activity, which has steadily developed into a Saturday morning feature.”