Council blasted after decision to charge people to RUN in their local park in event billed as ‘free forever’
It is the first time any of the 850 Parkruns in 12 countries worldwide has been charged to hold an event after councillors decided the event can no longer be held for free
A COUNCIL has become the first in the world to charge people to go for a RUN in their local park.
Parkrun has been operating a free fun run in Little Stoke, South Glos., since 2012.
But Stoke Gifford Parish Council has now decided that the non-profit organisation should make a financial contribution for the "wear and tear" caused to the park.
At a meeting on Tuesday night the parish council voted in favour of a proposed charge of £1 per head on the 300 joggers who take part in the weekly event.
Councillors claim the event can no longer be held for free without a contribution towards the maintenance of the park, toilets and parking facilities.
It is the first time any of the 850 Parkruns in 12 countries worldwide has been charged to hold an event.
Council chairman Keith Cranney told the meeting: "We have voted that Parkrun must make a contribution if it wishes to continue. They should apply for a grant."
But within hours of the vote Parkrun had set up a petition to protest the move which now has more than 20,000 supporters.
Gold medal-winning runners Paula Radcliffe and Dame Kelly Holmes are two of those who have criticised the decision.
Parkrun ambassador Geoff Keogh said: “Parkrun is such a positive thing it is hard to believe this council would not wish to bask in the glory of it."
The runs, which are organised entirely by volunteers, take place in 800 locations all over the world, always at 9am on Saturdays.
They are intended to encourage people to exercise and make fitness accessible.
In Little Stoke, some 3,773 people are registered with the event since it started in November 2012.
It was so popular a junior’s event was set up in June 2014, and already has 974 people on their books.
The runs, not races, are non-competitive, and timings are issued at the end of each run for joggers to keep track of.
Parkrun chief operating officer Tom Williams said: "Parkrun has had unprecedented success in engaging the least active and encouraging them to exercise regularly.
"Providing free weekly access has been fundamental to this and we are disappointed that this opportunity is to be removed for the residents of Little Stoke.
"Imposing a charge at one event is something that contradicts our founding principles and would set a precedent that threatens our future.
"The past six months have been an uncertain and difficult time for everyone involved with Little Stoke parkrun and our entire global community of more than two million parkrunners is behind them as we discuss our next steps."
The council said: "The parish council cannot and will not stop people from using the parks for exercise and running but when it comes to an organisation with paid directors, fundraisers and sponsors, it would be unfair to expect the residents to pay."