Just an incredible few statements from Russ and Paul, who, if the transcription of the meeting is correct, seem to be trampling all over the existing parkrun community with such arrogance it almost beggars belief! Let me know your thoughts.
@@PoetWithPace I’ve actually been meaning to do it since I saw the petition update on Tuesday, but haven’t had a chance. Saw your video after I’d published mine last night. Don’t you worry, I’ve got my ear to the ground!😜
Anyone out there who wants to start a new run, I’m in. frankly these two from Parkrun are obnoxious fools, they don’t deserve our support, please someone take this on 🤞
I think it’s clear that “parkrun HQ”have forgotten that all their events are run by volunteers. Their whole business model is reliant on lots of good people giving up their time for free. If they want to ignore what their members want then they need to start paying people to run their events…
I think it's clear that you've forgotten that Parkrun is run entirely by volunteers. You want to give these volunteers extra admin work in verifying and policing the sex of every single participant.
And lose their charity status in the process. I can't think of any other charity that would make statements like they have. Reminds me of Gerald Ratner!
If parkrun do not consider themselves a sporting activity why are they taking money from sport England. Also they are keen to advertise when someone breaks the parkrun record. Surely that will put people off more than my 27min results. If there is no time , age or gender results I won’t be doing it again. It has always been a time trial for me not a fluffy unicorn run.
I'm a parkrun RD and also a club runner and coach. If what has been said here is true, and I've no reason to doubt it, then it is very sad for parkrun. I just feel that the parkrun powers to be are getting too big for their boots. All the core team at our parkrun belong to a running club and our members and their familiies put a lot of time and effort into putting on our event week in, week out. Really disapointed with this report. I will continue turning up but no more t-shirts, etc for me from now on.
I don't know about the rest of the UK, but in my area virtually all parkruns are hosted by grassroots running clubs. These are the people who put themselves forward as run directors, manage the facebook pages, fill the volunteer rotas, organise pacers, event logistics etc etc. Local parkruns just wouldn't take place without the input of these clubs, but they're already feeling alienated by the recent changes. I can see parkruns just fading away if further change is imposed. Big shot in the foot by parkrun HQ.
You must be really involved with the local athletics scene to know that all the parkrun volunteers are so disappointed that 17 min times have been removed.
I've been to about a third of the ones within London, and there's a mixed bag in terms of origins / vibe. I'd definitely say the likes of Clapham Common, Tooting Bec, Burgess Park, Mile End and Southwark - with their weekly impressive numbers - run smooth because of the tenuous links to surrounding running clubs. Not entirely so, but I believe they'd all suffer if those running clubs stopped helping, perhaps feeling simultaneously unwelcome and taken advantage of. What I like about Parkrun is that there's all sorts of paces happening at the same time. I'm being left in the dust by the sub-20 lot, but there's also a great crowd of the 30+ club. Maybe this is a shitty opinion, but if all those fast club runners feel unwelcome and go elsewhere, Parkrun might start to look a bit 'drab'. I don't want to be 1st place of a Parkrun clocking 25mins.
This really is too bad. I'm 3 off my 100 and my 10 yr old daughter is on her 81st 5km parkrun. After we get our 100s, I'm not sure what we'll do. My daughter is a member of the athletics club and has already been picked to represent the county for XC. So much of that experience came from being competitive at parkrun. Everyone knows her, she loves it. She has alternatives to race now if she wants but it's shame to see the institution that she cut her running teeth on go in the direction it has.
One of the other issues to emerge is that parkrun - a so-called charity - is run entirely by volunteers at the grassroots and overseen by people in parkrun HQ earning very large salaries.
I was thinking of doing my local park run because I liked the idea of a grassroots community led event. Now I see it isn't that, it's just another ego trip for a couple of guys, I think I'll give it a miss.
Well...I guess nothing lasts forever. Parkrun (before these changes) had a good 20 year run (pun intended). Personally, I liked looking at the stats...not just mine but others. Like how old (or young) was the person that passed me right before the end. The data made it a little bit more interesting for me. Will I keep running parkrun even if all stats go away...probably...but maybe not as often.
Was hoping one day to do a Parkrun over seas. The draw was being timed and seeing results, but now a solo run in a park is just the same as a Parkrun. So solo run might be it.
Reading about this makes it very hard to get out of bed on the 18th of may to organise a parkrun in the Netherlands starting with a Z. We have just about ten volunteers. On the 18th we are expected to take a risk in getting fined by the council if more than the permitted amount of 150 participants shows up. This because its a double weekend in the Netherlands and the alphabeteers want their Z. Well if this is true" Paul then went on to say that “for each of the disgruntled participants, whether they are a runner, walker or run director, if they leave parkrun there will be another hundred runners to take their place.” Why are we worried, we will just stay in bed on the 18, apparently plenty of other people to take over the show
History suggests that companies who think they can do what they like because the customer has no choice don't last long. Parkrun is a great concept but not difficult to replicate elsewhere.
@@garthcox4307 That's absolutely true but its not a contractual relationship, just a permission as far as I am aware. So a local parkrun team could easily break away and and run the same thing at the same time under a different banner and I don't suppose the landowner would care much. You do get the sense that Parkrun feel they have a unassailable monopoly and don't fully understand how critically dependent it is on the goodwill of the participants and volunteers. Will be interesting to see how it plays out but it feels like some of the gloss is coming off the brand.
If there was a rival you might have events transferring en masse, thats how a breakaway would gain traction. That would be interesting but unlikely in the short term at least. They aren't doing themselves any favours.
It also makes no sense. There’s no limit to parkrun numbers, there isn’t a queue to be able to attend a run. No one will replace the people who leave the numbers will just decrease.
Whether you agree or not with the decisions they’ve made or the direction they are going, the optics of using such derisory language about your ‘customers’ and the very people who have supported you is just so poor. As others have said, no successful organisation takes such a publicly contemptible view of a sizeable portion of their audience.
@@garthcox4307 At the very least they have a vested interest in not upsetting their sponsors, so they can't just do what they want despite what they say.
I’ve been increasingly disappointed with parkrun over the last few years, it’s sadly a victim of its own success. But to hear that they’re so dismissive of the community and volunteers is very, very sad . I guess we’ll see what happens next 🙁
There are couple of things to consider. Yes we are volunteers that make it happen. It's sad to hear HQ being so dismissive, particularly as a couple of local parkruns have or are on the verge of folding dueto lack of volunteers. Not exactly a 100 waiting to take their place. However , the flip side is, if you don't like it, you can ask for a refund of your entry fee.
Parkruns own website says that it is a community led organisation, that is a glaring discrepancy. HQ appear out of touch and contemptuous of the grass roots, that's far from healthy whatever your view on the stats issue.
The difference is that local people take part in a local parkrun but parkrun policy is determined by the organisation itself. It's like a local pub of a chain will organise charity events etc for the local community, have local people work there but head office determine the overall policies etc.
@@vikroy3777 I suggest it's nothing like that. "creating opportunities for members of the community to participate" is the stated goal, not removing opportunities to participate (and yes, statistics is part of that participation)
The real weakness in Russ and Paul's position is the reliance on sponsorship money. The way I read the report of the meeting, they are under significant pressure to resolve this issue, but think bullying the Bring Back The Stats group is the best way to do it. They tried to blame the BBTS group for hurting Parkrun, which is clearly absurd. If the BBTS calls for a boycott of all the Parkrun sponsors, how many of them would risk alienating 26,000+ potential customers, probably none. I despair for the future of Parkrun given their fantastical view that for every disgruntled participant who leaves they will replace them with 100 others. The available data doesn't begin to suggest these claims are even remotely viable. Thanks for the video.
That's quite the eye-opener based on the comments made, and disappointing that those in charge take for granted the goodwill, support and energy of those currently making it happen, week on week. It's all very well stating that for every 1 person lost there's 100 to replace them, but if that 1% are those regularly turning out to RD/marshal/help it will rapidly fizzle out. I've not been involved in parkrun for a few years now but even back when I was the volunteer teams regularly had a big job getting enough marshals week in week out.
I only do Parkrun as a time trial once every month or so to gauge training. No timing then no more Parkrun for me as I can go run 5k anywhere. If they remove the 'race feel' there's really no reason for me to take part. I suspect there are quite a few people who do use as a pseudo race. I don't get any sort of feeling from those running or walking towards the rear of the field that they are worried or deterred from Parkrunning by those further to the front. (The executives do sound like quite an arrogant bunch though. They are, perhaps, legends in their own minds...)
Pretty sure it is still timed, you just don't get to see how your time stacks up against the rest of the field. Unless you use your eyes or something. The people most vocal about this are grinding another axe entirely.
“For each of the disgruntled participants, whether they are a runner, walker or run director, if they leave Parkrun there will be another hundred runners to take their place.” So, a Parkrun has 100 runners. If one week 10 give up because they are fed up with the new regime that means the next event will have 1,000 new runners plus 90 originals. If the clown who said that is in charge of the books Parkrun will be bankrupt and buried in a month anyway.
Glad to see someone else doing a video on the outcome of the Bring Back the Stats campaign meeting with parkrun HQ - I believe my video was the only one when I posted it a couple of days ago! Parkrun really do seem to have lost the plot, and the more people that know about it the better!
Very interesting statement about the top-down decision making - Virtually every company looking to adapt and survive is switching to a bottom-up approach!
Great video, thanks. I'm one of the 26,000+ who have signed the petition. I'm a bit shocked to know there are 100 people waiting to take my place should I leave. At least we have other 5k and 6k race options where I live. Some communities only have the parkrun.
I have no issue with change but I deplore the arrogance. If the way this has been reported is true it’s a sad reflection of those involved at the top. As someone who has just received their 250 green t shirt this whole debacle makes me sad and angry in equal measure.
Yes I tend to agree. I can live with the change but, as you say, if the text is an accurate representation of what was actually said, then it’s a shocking way to think about your customers.
Its crazy to me that they would publicy being saying things like this... I've started to lose interest in parkrun ever since the dog leash rules, which have no basis in research or reality... And if they begin to degrade the product any more I'm sure something else will quickly step in to take their place. I would be able to build a tool to port everyones parkrun results over to a new platform if the need arises. I think that might be useful
See my vision is that we all keep turning up to the same venues on a Saturday at 9am, but each volunteer team disengages from parkrun HQ and joins the new rival frree 5km called "EveryRun, the run for everyone'. Let's make it happen
@@FilmMyRun theoretically, this can be done, and I'd be up for a part to play in it given there are three to four in my area. Although it'd take a lot more than just me.....
I am a Run Director at a large Aussie parkrun (we average about 500 runners a week). Our numbers have grown (or at least stayed where they were) since the removal of stats. Far be it for me to defend the parkrun organisation, but they have always said ‘it’s a run, not a race’ and it has always amused me that they do publish weekly results in finishing order!! If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck….so perhaps they are just moving closer to their core beliefs. I wonder why they don’t just email people their own result and offer a search engine where you can look up other runners’ times each week, giving all runners the option of keeping their time private. It’s free, and timed, and our regulars show up with a big smile every Saturday. If people are super passionate about times and records, maybe they should join a local running club that runs actual, you know….races! Just my two bob’s worth. Our event team is most definitely not made up of members of running clubs. I have almost 400 parkruns and about 150 volunteers under my belt so I’ve been at this a while.
As long as it's still timed and all my results are recorded and available I'm not too fussed. I like being able to lay down a fast 5k, properly timed and compare my runs. I also like being able to check out nearby parkrun events to gauge where I might be able to run quick and which ones are more for easy runs when I'm touristing.
Thanks for the video. I'm new to running (started July) and hence parkrun so am not reacting to change - because I never knew the "old" parkrun. When I discovered parkrun shortly after starting to run I was amazed and pleasantly surprised that such a resource existed and was so widespread. The idea of timings and rankings attracted and motivated me so the idea that these may stop seems strange indeed. Without these I would not be attracted so cannot understand why this would be done, and if it were, how new runners (like me) would be attracted.
Thanks Kevin. I really hope you stick with it and continue to enjoy running. Whilst I have my issues with parkrun and its management, I still love running it every Saturday
Start a separate organisation if they don't care about the people running. And the landowners should now think twice about allowing Parkrun to use their land. Maybe name the competitor "CommunityRun"
The lack of co-operation is astounding and so disheartening to me, I've only been going to my local parkruns for the last few months and I've loved it, but if things keep going like this then I might stop going soon and with them basically saying they have lots of runners to replace the one's that quit, it's like saying they don't really care about the community anymore.
Jumping the shark? Like when a previously mediocre football club has some success with a decent manager and then sacks the manager because he can't take them any further, and then plummets down the leagues into obscurity. Charlton is an example.
The fact of the matter is that parkrun started out as Bushy Park time trial, so it's always been a timed event. Taking the stats away will put people off being involved.
If "parkrun HQ" are any sort of students of corporate history, they will see that the sort of hubristic attitude they are exhibiting here often presages a fall. No organisation, especially one so reliant on unpaid but loyal volunteers, is too big or popular to fail. I will continue to do parkrun as part of marathon training speedwork but will stop if they indeed decide to remove timings, and I suspect the same will go for lots of other club runners.
Very much agree with FilmMyRun about Parkrun. I've been taking part since May 2011 (since the very first one in my area) and the way it was set up was perfect, runners can take out of it what they want. If you like pushing it and stats then it's there for you, if you want a jog with chums, no pressure, then it's there for you. The statement from the founders that it is not 'community lead' is very much at odds with what I witness at my local PR. For those who don't like the new set up, well, meet up with some mates and run a 5k together, any day of the week.. and to paraphrase the founders, 'they wont miss us'!
@@FilmMyRun cheers... I'm on the Isle of Wight. The local Parkrun is still very much supported and is very much part of the community, but as an older 'former' racer I did love the stats, it was a good incentive!
Some one once pointed out that if people didn't like change nobody would be going to new holiday destinations or trying new goods that are advertised, however people don't like change if they believe that the change will not make things better but worse ,which I think is maybe what might be happening here.
Good point, yes. I think it’s more about fear of the unknown and loss of control. When you go on holiday you are to a large extent in charge of your own destiny. It’s done on your terms. People fear change when it’s thrust upon them against their will or by surprise or when they have no control over what’s happening.
@@FilmMyRun yes , definitely agree with that and as you pointed out this is a five year plan so will be interesting to see if parkrun has changed for the better or worse,only time will tell
Stopped runnig Parkruns after the last change. Know at least 10 others from various running clubs, that also stopped. There are plenty of other runs to go to and compete and have fun.
So if parkrun say that it’s not a race, then why do some courses have pacers, as that would imply that it’s a “race format”! The top seem to be veering away from what Parkrun is and means to people. Like you, I use PR as time trail rather than paying for a 5k, but everything is personal to me regarding time, position, age grade, etc
I've signed up but haven't run yet (mainly due to scheduling conflicts). Very concerned about the apparent attitude at the top. As someone who leads a volunteer organisation I know volunteers are gold and not that easy to come by. Someone is out of touch. That said, I personally am not hugely worried about the changes - it's not like there are no stats. You can still see times by event and location. And while 26,000 signatories is nothing to sneeze at, bad attitude aside, they have a much larger data pool they need to consider. That's less than 8% of runners just last weekend, let alone total runners each month. However, there does seem to be an opportunity to monetise this with an app or something for the competative runners, if they cared to.
Seems to me that the organisation addressed a problem that didn’t exist and made the situation a lot worse with less inclusivity. Those who raced it, those who jogged it, those who jogged and walked it; they all got along just fine. No interference necessary and no need to do away with any stats.
I do a weekly, social hill run, organized by a local brewery. There's a 3-mile and 5-mile option, along with a 1-mile walk. There are no times, nor is there a published list of attendees Of course, you can time yourself and collect statistics in your Garmin app. I've been attending for three years and haven't missed the stats on other runners. On the other hand, I enjoy celebrating my parkrun friends' PBs when they achieve them. I know my parkrun friends better because we share the responsibility for volunteering, we know each other's names because they're listed on the website, and we meet for coffee afterwards. Many of us have developed social connections beyond our shared parkrun. If authorized 3rd-party apps like the 5K app are allowed, there's nothing to complain about.
Just saddened…parkrun is becoming like FIFA and UEFA..forgetting who has been on the journey with them. I love football but have no time for FIFA or UEFA I love parkrun but parkrun HQ you do not represent anyone but yourselves. I have thought for years what will kill parkrun as it’s been so good…their attitude and the changes are leading to its demise. My only action right now is I will never buy anymore merchandise. Good video - thanks for speaking for so many of us 😢
I'm just 1 parkrun away from my first parkrun, but I have an opinion. 😀 The statement about replaceability of peoples involved was rude and condescending but aren't they right? Untill they have better competition they behave like any monopolist. Good thing is they showed the cards and situation is clear, although feels like somebody farted in a very small room.
What sticks in the throat for me is the mendacity. Pretending that parkrun has previously been something different to what it actually has been. Change happens, sure. But entites which rewrite their own history are just unhinged or sinister.
Are people complaining about the stats? Are there people who don’t do Park Run because the times are public? If that really is a problem then HQ should act. However the choice should be given to the members to opt out.
I think that's what will happen in the end, parkrun will make all stats private and you can choose to share your information publicly or with your 'friends' or not at all.
Yes something like that. They will be unknown unless you are logged in and 'friends' with that person and they choose to make their stats public or available to you.
What absolute narcissist, if , as they say that for every runner that leaves , 100 will take their place, well where are they ? Why are they not running ?
I think sponsors of Parkrun, especially manufacturers of "Sports Equipment and Clothing etc" would take an interest in the disappointment of the vast majority of Parkrunners if those runners were to "unsubscribe" from the weekly propaganda emailed Parkrun newsletter which is predominantly advertising and charity overload. If Parkrun is alienating runners in their thousands, it will have a knock- on effect on sales generation for their products. Parkrun will be just a vague, nonsense and not even worth getting out of bed for. I'd rather just go for a real run and have fun instead.
I use Park Run to gauge my fitness, check on my friends times and my aim is to get to 250 completed this year. The way Park Run is going I won’t be doing it much longer and I’m sure many more won’t either. Those hierarchy statements are derogatory.
I won't be doing it if they stop publishing details of runners. Or if they stop sending results to Power of 10. And definitely not if they stop timing it! Hopefully this'll give race directors a chance to put on more 5Ks. Parkrun has the monopoly at the moment and clearly doesn't deserve it. I don't mind paying a reasonable entry fee for a proper race. I worry that the changes at parkrun might lose us some young athletes though. I've seen several kids who used to beat me as 11 year olds go on to get national vests. They might not have known how good they were if they hadn't had the chance to compete (sorry - I know that's a dirty word 😂) at parkrun.
Stats I don't really care about, but a time is pretty central to my enjoyment of Parkrun. I guess if Parkrun annoy enough people, something will take its place.
I've never done a park run and now never will. If I want to beat a time, I'll use Strava. If the organisers don't care about users, on principle, I'll not provide my time turning up to help them make money.
I'm quite competitive for a 45 y.o. My parkrunning is often in zone 4 or even 5. However, I applaud the decision.Why? It's my own silly chase for silly PBs, age group wins and top ten placements. For outsiders, firsttimers hesitant but curious to join, the bit chubby Liz amd Paul who want to start moving a bit, it could be highly discouraging to find tables of average finish times put on display prominently. *Every single person we save from the couch and get active walker elonce a week and then social with us parkrunners is a win (and winner)*. Not Josh or Jeffrey beating the course record for the fifth time. They can go find a track club running eyeballs out. The core identity of parkrun is: It's not a race. (And Liz and Paul won't finish last. Promised).
Wow. I was telling people to chill out on the stats, but those statements were awful. Ultimately, I like to pretend it's a race so no timings/results and I just won't go. Thing is, we here are probably the minority. I suspect 90% of parkrunners, aren't on youtube watching running videos etc. So it's shit for them to say "there's the door, there's 100 more to replace you", but it's probably true.
It's not true at all. He's totally deluded to think there are 100 people waiting to replace each person who loses motivation to go due to no stats. With stats, you capture both parties. How any people are really crying at home not going because of stats? Many newbies don't even know about all the stats.
As a somewhat competitive runner I don't care about any of this nonsense at all. If Parkrun is the pinnacle of your running then there are more and better things to move on to where you can compete properly. I'm glad Parkrun is focusing on getting as many beginners in to running as possible!
It's great to get beginners into running. But, do we want them to progress from parkrun? Do we want new runners to progress to joining a running club or to racing official events? That's been one of parkrun's great successes over the years. Taking the competitive element away won't help breed the new crop of olympic athletes. But that's exactly what parkrun is moving away from. They are targeting the larger, more lucrative, casual fitness market. Which I guess is fine.
Probably. I mean I've never understood half the stuff with parkrun claiming it's no longer a time trial. Thousands of parkruns have pacers for people aiming for specific times! Although it does have to be said, a lot of the pacers I see come over the line with no one, so perhaps people don't use them as much as we might think.
I would like the stats to show a table with the number of parkruns done by individuals at each venue. This would not need to be split between male and female or show times just those who turn up each week supporting their local venue. Maybe also a similar table for volunteers
Why don''t they go a step further and eliminate the distance? This whole thing is ridiculous. Anyway it doesn't affect me as we hardly have these setup in my part of the world.
Him and his wife are on the payroll to the tune of £150k a year or thereabouts . He wasn't going to depart from the official line as he has a vested interest. But what arrogant things to say, agreed.
And now 5 months later parkrun is still parkrun and everything is fine. We just had a new attendance record here in the Netherlands. So maybe next time don't make such a fuss about things.
there is nothing to stop people who do a particular park run setting up a local strava club then people can opt in and see all the data that park run used to provide except for age grading.
Parkrun comments are very disappointing. PSH was one of the originals who was fully in favour of the time trial/competitive concept which was fundamental to success. Many of my local club mates are lost, many are talking about a rival event. People made parkrun, people will end it.
I agree. I just think perhaps parkrun is too big now and even if a large number of volunteers, RDs or runners pull out, as PSH essentially argued, there will be plenty still there to keep it going. Plus setting up a new event to compete is going to take huge resources. Maybe Great Run could give it another go.
Weirdly enough, the saga around the stats is nothing compared to those statements. All it's done is unearth some rather gastly opinions that would've otherwise not come to light.
You’ll have to spell it out for me!! Parkrun has no backbone? I have no backbone? What do you mean by backbone? Explain what you’re trying to say so simpletons like me can understand! Really appreciate your input on this, thanks.
The thing is parkrun is so big that it would take a lot to mobilise a full scale boycott. But if it could be organised it would certainly send a message. The problem is that, like the NHS, run directors and volunteers feel and sense of responsibility towards the runners and don’t want to let them down, so continue to turn up despite being annoyed at the organisation
Personally I’m not bothered about the stats, I’ll never be using them but I think it’s terribly sad that Parkrun are being so confrontational and virtually telling runners to “do one” if you don’t like it. That doesn’t sound too inclusive too me 🤨
They are including the demographic they like; the demographic which will potentially make them more most money. Club runners or those who train and race on a regular basis are not the preferred demographic.
Just an incredible few statements from Russ and Paul, who, if the transcription of the meeting is correct, seem to be trampling all over the existing parkrun community with such arrogance it almost beggars belief! Let me know your thoughts.
Gosh Stephen, you quickly put this together after I published my video on the very same topic? 🤪
@@PoetWithPace I’ve actually been meaning to do it since I saw the petition update on Tuesday, but haven’t had a chance. Saw your video after I’d published mine last night. Don’t you worry, I’ve got my ear to the ground!😜
Agree. They are totally out of touch! I've spoken to so many people over this and have yet to find someone who thinks the changes are good idea.
As far as I see it.. you don't pay for parkrun so they are free to do what they want with it. so if you don't like it, don't go or start your own
Anyone out there who wants to start a new run, I’m in. frankly these two from Parkrun are obnoxious fools, they don’t deserve our support, please someone take this on 🤞
I think it’s clear that “parkrun HQ”have forgotten that all their events are run by volunteers. Their whole business model is reliant on lots of good people giving up their time for free. If they want to ignore what their members want then they need to start paying people to run their events…
I think it's clear that you've forgotten that Parkrun is run entirely by volunteers. You want to give these volunteers extra admin work in verifying and policing the sex of every single participant.
And lose their charity status in the process. I can't think of any other charity that would make statements like they have. Reminds me of Gerald Ratner!
@@peterwilkins7013 Extra? There's already extra work if someone runs a fast parkrun time.
If parkrun do not consider themselves a sporting activity why are they taking money from sport England. Also they are keen to advertise when someone breaks the parkrun record. Surely that will put people off more than my 27min results. If there is no time , age or gender results I won’t be doing it again. It has always been a time trial for me not a fluffy unicorn run.
For an organisation that relies on an army of volunteers and community goodwill to operate, that's pretty dismissive of people's opinions
I'm a parkrun RD and also a club runner and coach. If what has been said here is true, and I've no reason to doubt it, then it is very sad for parkrun. I just feel that the parkrun powers to be are getting too big for their boots. All the core team at our parkrun belong to a running club and our members and their familiies put a lot of time and effort into putting on our event week in, week out. Really disapointed with this report. I will continue turning up but no more t-shirts, etc for me from now on.
Awful statement from ‘the top’. Perhaps it’s time for a ParkRun rival to be set up. A shame Great Run Local is no more.
Yes it would be interesting to see a rival set up. But parkrun is so well established it will be tough for any newcomer, as it was for Great Run
Given that Russ was head of communications for 7 years before getting the top job, he really is rubbish at it.
@@garthcox4307 Promoted to his level of incompetence perhaps?
I don't know about the rest of the UK, but in my area virtually all parkruns are hosted by grassroots running clubs. These are the people who put themselves forward as run directors, manage the facebook pages, fill the volunteer rotas, organise pacers, event logistics etc etc. Local parkruns just wouldn't take place without the input of these clubs, but they're already feeling alienated by the recent changes. I can see parkruns just fading away if further change is imposed. Big shot in the foot by parkrun HQ.
You must be really involved with the local athletics scene to know that all the parkrun volunteers are so disappointed that 17 min times have been removed.
I've been to about a third of the ones within London, and there's a mixed bag in terms of origins / vibe. I'd definitely say the likes of Clapham Common, Tooting Bec, Burgess Park, Mile End and Southwark - with their weekly impressive numbers - run smooth because of the tenuous links to surrounding running clubs. Not entirely so, but I believe they'd all suffer if those running clubs stopped helping, perhaps feeling simultaneously unwelcome and taken advantage of.
What I like about Parkrun is that there's all sorts of paces happening at the same time. I'm being left in the dust by the sub-20 lot, but there's also a great crowd of the 30+ club. Maybe this is a shitty opinion, but if all those fast club runners feel unwelcome and go elsewhere, Parkrun might start to look a bit 'drab'. I don't want to be 1st place of a Parkrun clocking 25mins.
Agreed, if results are no longer public for example what would be the point? You could just run by yourself and record it.
Sounds like someone needs to bring out an alternative parkrun option, gap in the market for a brand perhaps
This really is too bad. I'm 3 off my 100 and my 10 yr old daughter is on her 81st 5km parkrun. After we get our 100s, I'm not sure what we'll do. My daughter is a member of the athletics club and has already been picked to represent the county for XC.
So much of that experience came from being competitive at parkrun. Everyone knows her, she loves it. She has alternatives to race now if she wants but it's shame to see the institution that she cut her running teeth on go in the direction it has.
I mean when you get to mid 20s parkruns not a big deal
Wow 81st 5k at 10!!! Amazing!
One of the other issues to emerge is that parkrun - a so-called charity - is run entirely by volunteers at the grassroots and overseen by people in parkrun HQ earning very large salaries.
You speak the truth…and it makes me both sad and angry
I was thinking of doing my local park run because I liked the idea of a grassroots community led event. Now I see it isn't that, it's just another ego trip for a couple of guys, I think I'll give it a miss.
I remember ‘Tee Shirts will always be free’ so I have learned to take parkrun statements with a pinch of salt
"free forever" also makes them a bit of a hostage to fortune too
Well...I guess nothing lasts forever. Parkrun (before these changes) had a good 20 year run (pun intended). Personally, I liked looking at the stats...not just mine but others. Like how old (or young) was the person that passed me right before the end. The data made it a little bit more interesting for me. Will I keep running parkrun even if all stats go away...probably...but maybe not as often.
Was hoping one day to do a Parkrun over seas. The draw was being timed and seeing results, but now a solo run in a park is just the same as a Parkrun. So solo run might be it.
It's still being timed and you ll still get your results
I think someone will start a new event - Parkrun managers are stupid.
Reading about this makes it very hard to get out of bed on the 18th of may to organise a parkrun in the Netherlands starting with a Z.
We have just about ten volunteers.
On the 18th we are expected to take a risk in getting fined by the council if more than the permitted amount of 150 participants shows up. This because its a double weekend in the Netherlands and the alphabeteers want their Z.
Well if this is true" Paul then went on to say that “for each of the disgruntled participants, whether they are a runner, walker or run director, if they leave parkrun there will be another hundred runners to take their place.”
Why are we worried, we will just stay in bed on the 18, apparently plenty of other people to take over the show
As usual, people will always find a way to ruin something good.
As always, people will find a way to complain about nothing.
History suggests that companies who think they can do what they like because the customer has no choice don't last long. Parkrun is a great concept but not difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Landowner permissions would likely be the hardest part
@@garthcox4307 That's absolutely true but its not a contractual relationship, just a permission as far as I am aware. So a local parkrun team could easily break away and and run the same thing at the same time under a different banner and I don't suppose the landowner would care much. You do get the sense that Parkrun feel they have a unassailable monopoly and don't fully understand how critically dependent it is on the goodwill of the participants and volunteers. Will be interesting to see how it plays out but it feels like some of the gloss is coming off the brand.
If there was a rival you might have events transferring en masse, thats how a breakaway would gain traction. That would be interesting but unlikely in the short term at least. They aren't doing themselves any favours.
That statement wrt to if you leave, who cares we will get another 100 people, would put any normal business out of buainess. Awful thing to say
Then why don't you ask for a refund
It also makes no sense. There’s no limit to parkrun numbers, there isn’t a queue to be able to attend a run. No one will replace the people who leave the numbers will just decrease.
@@vikroy3777 I wouldn't joke about the refund. Plenty of people have donated to parkrun - they certainly can't afford to refund them.
Whether you agree or not with the decisions they’ve made or the direction they are going, the optics of using such derisory language about your ‘customers’ and the very people who have supported you is just so poor. As others have said, no successful organisation takes such a publicly contemptible view of a sizeable portion of their audience.
A Gerald Ratner moment. But they think they are untouchable as they have a monopoly
@@garthcox4307 At the very least they have a vested interest in not upsetting their sponsors, so they can't just do what they want despite what they say.
I’ve been increasingly disappointed with parkrun over the last few years, it’s sadly a victim of its own success. But to hear that they’re so dismissive of the community and volunteers is very, very sad . I guess we’ll see what happens next 🙁
There are couple of things to consider. Yes we are volunteers that make it happen. It's sad to hear HQ being so dismissive, particularly as a couple of local parkruns have or are on the verge of folding dueto lack of volunteers. Not exactly a 100 waiting to take their place. However , the flip side is, if you don't like it, you can ask for a refund of your entry fee.
Parkruns own website says that it is a community led organisation, that is a glaring discrepancy. HQ appear out of touch and contemptuous of the grass roots, that's far from healthy whatever your view on the stats issue.
The difference is that local people take part in a local parkrun but parkrun policy is determined by the organisation itself.
It's like a local pub of a chain will organise charity events etc for the local community, have local people work there but head office determine the overall policies etc.
The stats issue has shown just how far parkrun is prepared to depart from its original vision of a time trial.
@@vikroy3777 I suggest it's nothing like that. "creating opportunities for members of the community to participate" is the stated goal, not removing opportunities to participate (and yes, statistics is part of that participation)
The real weakness in Russ and Paul's position is the reliance on sponsorship money. The way I read the report of the meeting, they are under significant pressure to resolve this issue, but think bullying the Bring Back The Stats group is the best way to do it. They tried to blame the BBTS group for hurting Parkrun, which is clearly absurd. If the BBTS calls for a boycott of all the Parkrun sponsors, how many of them would risk alienating 26,000+ potential customers, probably none. I despair for the future of Parkrun given their fantastical view that for every disgruntled participant who leaves they will replace them with 100 others. The available data doesn't begin to suggest these claims are even remotely viable. Thanks for the video.
That's quite the eye-opener based on the comments made, and disappointing that those in charge take for granted the goodwill, support and energy of those currently making it happen, week on week. It's all very well stating that for every 1 person lost there's 100 to replace them, but if that 1% are those regularly turning out to RD/marshal/help it will rapidly fizzle out. I've not been involved in parkrun for a few years now but even back when I was the volunteer teams regularly had a big job getting enough marshals week in week out.
I only do Parkrun as a time trial once every month or so to gauge training. No timing then no more Parkrun for me as I can go run 5k anywhere. If they remove the 'race feel' there's really no reason for me to take part. I suspect there are quite a few people who do use as a pseudo race. I don't get any sort of feeling from those running or walking towards the rear of the field that they are worried or deterred from Parkrunning by those further to the front. (The executives do sound like quite an arrogant bunch though. They are, perhaps, legends in their own minds...)
How much of a race feel do you get on tiny paths?
Pretty sure it is still timed, you just don't get to see how your time stacks up against the rest of the field. Unless you use your eyes or something.
The people most vocal about this are grinding another axe entirely.
“For each of the disgruntled participants, whether they are a runner, walker or run director, if they leave Parkrun there will be another hundred runners to take their place.” So, a Parkrun has 100 runners. If one week 10 give up because they are fed up with the new regime that means the next event will have 1,000 new runners plus 90 originals. If the clown who said that is in charge of the books Parkrun will be bankrupt and buried in a month anyway.
Glad to see someone else doing a video on the outcome of the Bring Back the Stats campaign meeting with parkrun HQ - I believe my video was the only one when I posted it a couple of days ago! Parkrun really do seem to have lost the plot, and the more people that know about it the better!
Yes Derek I saw your video and had been meaning to do one since I saw the update. Your video prompted me to get it done!!
@@FilmMyRun Glad to help!
Very interesting statement about the top-down decision making - Virtually every company looking to adapt and survive is switching to a bottom-up approach!
Hi Em. Yes. Obviously I’m only going from what I read, but it really doesn’t sound great does it? Just feels very uncomfortable.
They appear to have forgotten that the parkruns are put on by volunteers, and goodwill is essential to them continuing
Great video, thanks. I'm one of the 26,000+ who have signed the petition. I'm a bit shocked to know there are 100 people waiting to take my place should I leave. At least we have other 5k and 6k race options where I live. Some communities only have the parkrun.
We need a new organisation to act as a competitor to Parkrun
Well go on then
Great Run Local was a thing for a while but we all stayed at parkrun. Now might be the time to relaunch it. There may be an appetite for it now
I think this is Parkrun's 'Gerald Ratner' moment.
Could be!
Instead of telling us it's crap they are turning it into crap.
I have no issue with change but I deplore the arrogance. If the way this has been reported is true it’s a sad reflection of those involved at the top. As someone who has just received their 250 green t shirt this whole debacle makes me sad and angry in equal measure.
Yes I tend to agree. I can live with the change but, as you say, if the text is an accurate representation of what was actually said, then it’s a shocking way to think about your customers.
Its crazy to me that they would publicy being saying things like this... I've started to lose interest in parkrun ever since the dog leash rules, which have no basis in research or reality... And if they begin to degrade the product any more I'm sure something else will quickly step in to take their place.
I would be able to build a tool to port everyones parkrun results over to a new platform if the need arises. I think that might be useful
See my vision is that we all keep turning up to the same venues on a Saturday at 9am, but each volunteer team disengages from parkrun HQ and joins the new rival frree 5km called "EveryRun, the run for everyone'. Let's make it happen
@@FilmMyRun theoretically, this can be done, and I'd be up for a part to play in it given there are three to four in my area. Although it'd take a lot more than just me.....
I am a Run Director at a large Aussie parkrun (we average about 500 runners a week). Our numbers have grown (or at least stayed where they were) since the removal of stats. Far be it for me to defend the parkrun organisation, but they have always said ‘it’s a run, not a race’ and it has always amused me that they do publish weekly results in finishing order!! If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck….so perhaps they are just moving closer to their core beliefs. I wonder why they don’t just email people their own result and offer a search engine where you can look up other runners’ times each week, giving all runners the option of keeping their time private. It’s free, and timed, and our regulars show up with a big smile every Saturday. If people are super passionate about times and records, maybe they should join a local running club that runs actual, you know….races! Just my two bob’s worth. Our event team is most definitely not made up of members of running clubs. I have almost 400 parkruns and about 150 volunteers under my belt so I’ve been at this a while.
As long as it's still timed and all my results are recorded and available I'm not too fussed. I like being able to lay down a fast 5k, properly timed and compare my runs. I also like being able to check out nearby parkrun events to gauge where I might be able to run quick and which ones are more for easy runs when I'm touristing.
Thanks for the video. I'm new to running (started July) and hence parkrun so am not reacting to change - because I never knew the "old" parkrun. When I discovered parkrun shortly after starting to run I was amazed and pleasantly surprised that such a resource existed and was so widespread. The idea of timings and rankings attracted and motivated me so the idea that these may stop seems strange indeed. Without these I would not be attracted so cannot understand why this would be done, and if it were, how new runners (like me) would be attracted.
Thanks Kevin. I really hope you stick with it and continue to enjoy running. Whilst I have my issues with parkrun and its management, I still love running it every Saturday
Start a separate organisation if they don't care about the people running. And the landowners should now think twice about allowing Parkrun to use their land. Maybe name the competitor "CommunityRun"
The lack of co-operation is astounding and so disheartening to me, I've only been going to my local parkruns for the last few months and I've loved it, but if things keep going like this then I might stop going soon and with them basically saying they have lots of runners to replace the one's that quit, it's like saying they don't really care about the community anymore.
Thats not totally fair on the decent people keeping the events running as volunteers, it's the idiots in HQ that are the problem.
oh yeah it's the hq i was talking about, the volunteers are always amazing
"the beginning of the end" according to dictionary... the point where something starts to get gradually worse, until it fails or ends completely.
Jumping the shark? Like when a previously mediocre football club has some success with a decent manager and then sacks the manager because he can't take them any further, and then plummets down the leagues into obscurity. Charlton is an example.
Alumni of the Gerald Ratner School of Business?
Haha excellent reference!
Or Sepp Blatters
The fact of the matter is that parkrun started out as Bushy Park time trial, so it's always been a timed event. Taking the stats away will put people off being involved.
If "parkrun HQ" are any sort of students of corporate history, they will see that the sort of hubristic attitude they are exhibiting here often presages a fall. No organisation, especially one so reliant on unpaid but loyal volunteers, is too big or popular to fail. I will continue to do parkrun as part of marathon training speedwork but will stop if they indeed decide to remove timings, and I suspect the same will go for lots of other club runners.
Very much agree with FilmMyRun about Parkrun. I've been taking part since May 2011 (since the very first one in my area) and the way it was set up was perfect, runners can take out of it what they want. If you like pushing it and stats then it's there for you, if you want a jog with chums, no pressure, then it's there for you. The statement from the founders that it is not 'community lead' is very much at odds with what I witness at my local PR. For those who don't like the new set up, well, meet up with some mates and run a 5k together, any day of the week.. and to paraphrase the founders, 'they wont miss us'!
Thanks for your thoughts on this Alan. What was your local parkrun? I think we started around the same time!
@@FilmMyRun cheers... I'm on the Isle of Wight. The local Parkrun is still very much supported and is very much part of the community, but as an older 'former' racer I did love the stats, it was a good incentive!
Some one once pointed out that if people didn't like change nobody would be going to new holiday destinations or trying new goods that are advertised, however people don't like change if they believe that the change will not make things better but worse ,which I think is maybe what might be happening here.
Good point, yes. I think it’s more about fear of the unknown and loss of control. When you go on holiday you are to a large extent in charge of your own destiny. It’s done on your terms. People fear change when it’s thrust upon them against their will or by surprise or when they have no control over what’s happening.
@@FilmMyRun yes , definitely agree with that and as you pointed out this is a five year plan so will be interesting to see if parkrun has changed for the better or worse,only time will tell
Stopped runnig Parkruns after the last change.
Know at least 10 others from various running clubs, that also stopped.
There are plenty of other runs to go to and compete and have fun.
So if parkrun say that it’s not a race, then why do some courses have pacers, as that would imply that it’s a “race format”! The top seem to be veering away from what Parkrun is and means to people. Like you, I use PR as time trail rather than paying for a 5k, but everything is personal to me regarding time, position, age grade, etc
Races are competitions, time pacers are the very definition of aiding people to personal time trial, even within actual ‘races’
I will possibly carry on doing Park run ( perhaps), but will I spend anything on merchandise or anything Park run related? Not a chance.
Thanks for your thoughts Stephen. Yea I don’t feel like giving parkrun any money at the moment.
I've signed up but haven't run yet (mainly due to scheduling conflicts). Very concerned about the apparent attitude at the top. As someone who leads a volunteer organisation I know volunteers are gold and not that easy to come by. Someone is out of touch. That said, I personally am not hugely worried about the changes - it's not like there are no stats. You can still see times by event and location. And while 26,000 signatories is nothing to sneeze at, bad attitude aside, they have a much larger data pool they need to consider. That's less than 8% of runners just last weekend, let alone total runners each month. However, there does seem to be an opportunity to monetise this with an app or something for the competative runners, if they cared to.
Puts me taking up Park Run in the first place.
It's a great idea, this needs to be done with all sports.
Seems to me that the organisation addressed a problem that didn’t exist and made the situation a lot worse with less inclusivity.
Those who raced it, those who jogged it, those who jogged and walked it; they all got along just fine. No interference necessary and no need to do away with any stats.
I'm a runner and wanted to do a Parkrun next time i was on the UK. Apparently Parkrun hates me, so I won't.
Yup, parkrun hates runners. Especially runners who like to see how fast they can run
I do a weekly, social hill run, organized by a local brewery. There's a 3-mile and 5-mile option, along with a 1-mile walk. There are no times, nor is there a published list of attendees Of course, you can time yourself and collect statistics in your Garmin app. I've been attending for three years and haven't missed the stats on other runners. On the other hand, I enjoy celebrating my parkrun friends' PBs when they achieve them. I know my parkrun friends better because we share the responsibility for volunteering, we know each other's names because they're listed on the website, and we meet for coffee afterwards. Many of us have developed social connections beyond our shared parkrun. If authorized 3rd-party apps like the 5K app are allowed, there's nothing to complain about.
Just saddened…parkrun is becoming like FIFA and UEFA..forgetting who has been on the journey with them.
I love football but have no time for FIFA or UEFA
I love parkrun but parkrun HQ you do not represent anyone but yourselves.
I have thought for years what will kill parkrun as it’s been so good…their attitude and the changes are leading to its demise.
My only action right now is I will never buy anymore merchandise.
Good video - thanks for speaking for so many of us 😢
I think I will buy my 250 shirt when I get there and that'll be it for me for merchandise purchases.
I'm just 1 parkrun away from my first parkrun, but I have an opinion. 😀 The statement about replaceability of peoples involved was rude and condescending but aren't they right? Untill they have better competition they behave like any monopolist. Good thing is they showed the cards and situation is clear, although feels like somebody farted in a very small room.
At this rate, you won't even be allowed to call it a run anymore.
What sticks in the throat for me is the mendacity. Pretending that parkrun has previously been something different to what it actually has been.
Change happens, sure. But entites which rewrite their own history are just unhinged or sinister.
Are people complaining about the stats? Are there people who don’t do Park Run because the times are public? If that really is a problem then HQ should act. However the choice should be given to the members to opt out.
I think that's what will happen in the end, parkrun will make all stats private and you can choose to share your information publicly or with your 'friends' or not at all.
The future of parkrun is that the finishers will mainly be 'unknown'.
Yes something like that. They will be unknown unless you are logged in and 'friends' with that person and they choose to make their stats public or available to you.
Love these info style films - well put together, full of info, and a good bit of opinion as well! Nice and short too 👍😀🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃🏻♀️🏃🏿♂️
Thank you so much. Appreciated
What absolute narcissist, if , as they say that for every runner that leaves , 100 will take their place, well where are they ?
Why are they not running ?
Well we'll see what happens if and when RD's and volunteers do start leaving in protest.
@@FilmMyRun that may be the only way things will change . No volunteers or organisers.. no park run🤷♀️
I think sponsors of Parkrun, especially manufacturers of "Sports Equipment and Clothing etc" would take an interest in the disappointment of the vast majority of Parkrunners if those runners were to
"unsubscribe" from the weekly propaganda emailed Parkrun newsletter which is predominantly advertising and charity overload. If Parkrun is alienating runners in their thousands, it will have a knock- on effect on sales generation for their products.
Parkrun will be just a vague, nonsense and not even worth getting out of bed for. I'd rather just go for a real run and have fun instead.
I use Park Run to gauge my fitness, check on my friends times and my aim is to get to 250 completed this year. The way Park Run is going I won’t be doing it much longer and I’m sure many more won’t either. Those hierarchy statements are derogatory.
I’m aiming to get to 250 soon too and then I will reassess how I feel! Thanks for your comments!
Without the stats I wouldn’t do parkrun. I don’t really need to see other people’s, but mine are a central aspect of it.
Yes same for me. I’m going to get to 250 parkruns and then assess my feelings on the situation.
I won't be doing it if they stop publishing details of runners. Or if they stop sending results to Power of 10. And definitely not if they stop timing it! Hopefully this'll give race directors a chance to put on more 5Ks. Parkrun has the monopoly at the moment and clearly doesn't deserve it. I don't mind paying a reasonable entry fee for a proper race. I worry that the changes at parkrun might lose us some young athletes though. I've seen several kids who used to beat me as 11 year olds go on to get national vests. They might not have known how good they were if they hadn't had the chance to compete (sorry - I know that's a dirty word 😂) at parkrun.
I think more people than they realise come to parkrun for the timing and the competition. But I fear we will have to go elsewhere for that soon.
Absolutely right about the youngsters.
Won't be running it again, shame.
Maybe we need to start a proper Park Race...
I simply don’t go anymore, definitely not now.
Stats I don't really care about, but a time is pretty central to my enjoyment of Parkrun. I guess if Parkrun annoy enough people, something will take its place.
Well, as @itsbilln2178 said, just get a stopwatch. Although I imagine most parkrunners do already wear a sundial of some description.
Parkrun has become an impressive money making scheme for Paul & Russ. All of their employees are volunteers! Quite amazing really.
I've never done a park run and now never will. If I want to beat a time, I'll use Strava. If the organisers don't care about users, on principle, I'll not provide my time turning up to help them make money.
I'm quite competitive for a 45 y.o. My parkrunning is often in zone 4 or even 5. However, I applaud the decision.Why? It's my own silly chase for silly PBs, age group wins and top ten placements. For outsiders, firsttimers hesitant but curious to join, the bit chubby Liz amd Paul who want to start moving a bit, it could be highly discouraging to find tables of average finish times put on display prominently. *Every single person we save from the couch and get active walker elonce a week and then social with us parkrunners is a win (and winner)*. Not Josh or Jeffrey beating the course record for the fifth time. They can go find a track club running eyeballs out. The core identity of parkrun is: It's not a race. (And Liz and Paul won't finish last. Promised).
Wow. I was telling people to chill out on the stats, but those statements were awful. Ultimately, I like to pretend it's a race so no timings/results and I just won't go.
Thing is, we here are probably the minority. I suspect 90% of parkrunners, aren't on youtube watching running videos etc. So it's shit for them to say "there's the door, there's 100 more to replace you", but it's probably true.
It's not true at all. He's totally deluded to think there are 100 people waiting to replace each person who loses motivation to go due to no stats. With stats, you capture both parties. How any people are really crying at home not going because of stats? Many newbies don't even know about all the stats.
As a somewhat competitive runner I don't care about any of this nonsense at all. If Parkrun is the pinnacle of your running then there are more and better things to move on to where you can compete properly. I'm glad Parkrun is focusing on getting as many beginners in to running as possible!
It's great to get beginners into running. But, do we want them to progress from parkrun? Do we want new runners to progress to joining a running club or to racing official events? That's been one of parkrun's great successes over the years. Taking the competitive element away won't help breed the new crop of olympic athletes. But that's exactly what parkrun is moving away from. They are targeting the larger, more lucrative, casual fitness market. Which I guess is fine.
I’d imagine pacing at Parkruns will also be a thing of the past too?!
What a very good point you've made Tony:) You can see my thoughts further up
Probably. I mean I've never understood half the stuff with parkrun claiming it's no longer a time trial. Thousands of parkruns have pacers for people aiming for specific times! Although it does have to be said, a lot of the pacers I see come over the line with no one, so perhaps people don't use them as much as we might think.
Well i was going to go to a park run for the first time in my life tomorrow morning…….but not now
I would like the stats to show a table with the number of parkruns done by individuals at each venue. This would not need to be split between male and female or show times just those who turn up each week supporting their local venue. Maybe also a similar table for volunteers
Why don''t they go a step further and eliminate the distance? This whole thing is ridiculous. Anyway it doesn't affect me as we hardly have these setup in my part of the world.
Just need another operator, doing something similar.
When dictatorship and arrogance combine = Parkrun!
There are plenty of other runs.
And anyone can go run with friends at any time, anyway.
What an absolute bellend that Paul guy is. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Him and his wife are on the payroll to the tune of £150k a year or thereabouts . He wasn't going to depart from the official line as he has a vested interest. But what arrogant things to say, agreed.
@@garthcox4307 Always comes down to money, greed, power density, corruption, in the end. Even something as pure as Parkrun. Shame!
And now 5 months later parkrun is still parkrun and everything is fine. We just had a new attendance record here in the Netherlands. So maybe next time don't make such a fuss about things.
thanks for your comment. its just a video. I wouldn't get too upset about it
there is nothing to stop people who do a particular park run setting up a local strava club then people can opt in and see all the data that park run used to provide except for age grading.
This video went up and down? Presumably because it was 35 minutes of black screen?
Indeed and now I've just spotted a spelling error. But I'm not taking it down again!!
I’ve had no problems with it
Parkrun comments are very disappointing. PSH was one of the originals who was fully in favour of the time trial/competitive concept which was fundamental to success. Many of my local club mates are lost, many are talking about a rival event. People made parkrun, people will end it.
I agree. I just think perhaps parkrun is too big now and even if a large number of volunteers, RDs or runners pull out, as PSH essentially argued, there will be plenty still there to keep it going. Plus setting up a new event to compete is going to take huge resources. Maybe Great Run could give it another go.
Reminds me of the Gerald Ratner comment and the value of their jewellery Vs a sandwich. Bloody stupid thing to say.
I’ve not done a park run since they did this. Not supporting it anymore.
The lack of imagination being exhibited by HQ is depressing. I suggest we minions press on regardless and keep up the grumbling and petitions.
Weirdly enough, the saga around the stats is nothing compared to those statements. All it's done is unearth some rather gastly opinions that would've otherwise not come to light.
Yes agreed, I think the statements is the big thing here but I felt like it would be too much clickbait to focus the title and thumbnail on that.
This video is why parkrun is changing! simply no back bone
You’ll have to spell it out for me!! Parkrun has no backbone? I have no backbone? What do you mean by backbone? Explain what you’re trying to say so simpletons like me can understand! Really appreciate your input on this, thanks.
What I wanna know is how much does the CEO get paid, they make a lot of sponsorship money from Medibank and others
Come to Australia, we still post results
I would but I can't read upside down. 😸
Ridiculous decision, Parkrun is ideal as it is now
Next up, no more pacer days…
Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Ideologies….if you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything…..
HQ are definitely stuck between a rock and a hard place. There's clearly no way they will please everyone and they might end up[ pleasing no one.
all about the money
Would be effective if all the Parkrun slavelabour (volunteers...?) stopped doing the Parkruns. They are free to stop anytime they want!
The thing is parkrun is so big that it would take a lot to mobilise a full scale boycott. But if it could be organised it would certainly send a message. The problem is that, like the NHS, run directors and volunteers feel and sense of responsibility towards the runners and don’t want to let them down, so continue to turn up despite being annoyed at the organisation
Who knew that discriminating against a tiny minority of people who are just trying to live their lives would end badly? Karma I say.
Give us park run premium already. Detailed results, front row starts and personalised t-shirts for £30/month
I'm sure that's being discussed ..... free forever lol
Personally I’m not bothered about the stats, I’ll never be using them but I think it’s terribly sad that Parkrun are being so confrontational and virtually telling runners to “do one” if you don’t like it. That doesn’t sound too inclusive too me 🤨
They are including the demographic they like; the demographic which will potentially make them more most money. Club runners or those who train and race on a regular basis are not the preferred demographic.