Parkrun

Stoke Gifford Parish Council Bristol, are attempting to become the first Council to charge
runners to run in their parks.
I am no runner, although my DD and family are , but this seems a mad idea to me.
Park run is helping people to get out at the weekends and run and.to hopefully help them get fitter which what all want surely?
Parks should not be charging in my opinion for things like this .

Re: Parkrun

That's not quite what is happening they are trying to charge organised profitable groups running which I think is reasonable, the footballers have to pay as do the boot camp people here it's to stop businesses making money out of something provided for the public.

Re: Parkrun

Indeed .....

Parkrun gets money from sponsors and pays its local organisers nothing.

Re: Parkrun

Got it A over T, Oops, still can happen to the best of people.

Re: Parkrun

Happens to us all and to be fair some news sites are reporting it like that and not looking at the real story.

Re: Parkrun

I have a little excuse though was up at 6, with HUBS coughing , and feel quite shattered .
That is my excuse and I am sticking to it.
LOL

Re: Parkrun

Hope he's feeling better apricot so you can be on top form tomorrow

Re: Parkrun

Thanks hon. Oh he is okay, he took himself to the local hostelry with meet with his pals where they natter on,
10 to the Doz. Only have couple or so hours but it does them good to put the world to rights.
I decided to pop into the armchair and have 10 mins.
1 hour later I awoke , so have mopped all the floors and am back.

Re: Parkrun

Tell him it's all that nattering causing the cough

Re: Parkrun

The introduction of the Parkrun in my area has resulted in an explosion of interest in running. Our club is massive now compared to being on its last legs 3 years ago. More are showing interest in running like never before. When you take into account the weight lost by many of our own club's new recruits that is a staggering achievement in itself.

3 years ago, on a good night, we would have 5-6 people turning up but now this can be over 50! The club has also introduced a walking group and this again is proving very popular - even my sisters are taking part.

The impact of this free to enter weekly event is immense. Loads are taking part who are overweight. I have heard stories too of it helping depressed individuals as it is more than just a running event being far more a social event for many.

As for certain people being paid I don't know the amounts but I do know the money isn't coming from the runners themselves therefore it shouldn't be considered a 'business'. There are sponsors and donations made but this is very open and the amounts can be found on their website.

I can see that concerns could be raised if certain runs become too popular. It would make sense to take steps to protect non-runners and to reduce any damage to council property it this was the case. I'm sure most of the public would go along with any proposals and there would be plenty of volunteers to help the council.

Probably the kiss of death to take away the amatueur status of the event. Sponsorship seems enough to me. Keep it simple and free - it works.