Parkruns ethos is about keeping Parkrun free, for everyone, forever. It’s about community, wellbeing and inclusivity. Everyone is welcome. It is a a run not a race and should be inclusive.

The new rules regarding dogs are set to come into force on the 2nd of April and are saddening for a number of Parkrun runners, seasoned runners, volunteers and those just starting their Parkrun journey. The purposed changes are not improving safety for other runners or dogs, and will negatively impact dog welfare.

A large majority of dog companions will now not be able to attend. Many of these have run together at Parkrun for years, completed 100s of runs, and are active volunteers and members of the Parkrun community. 

Parkrun, as per it’s purpose, is incredibly important for peoples wellbeing, and has a positive impact on its participants. This is true for a number of dog owners who find enjoyment in running with their dogs particularly in a group setting, for the same reason over 3 million runners world wide participate in Parkrun, when they could just run alone. For many, now their Parkrun journeys will simply have to come to an end. 

We do understand that due to the significant increase in dog ownership over the last few years, added to the increasing popularity of Parkrun and the popularity of people running with their dogs, that changes need to be made to continue to keep Parkrun safe and fun for all. We feel the proposed changes have not been made in the interest of safety for either runner or dog and against the inclusive ethos of Parkrun. Running whilst holding a handheld lead rather than a waist belt/harness is unlikely to improve safety and is not promoting responsible dog ownership. 

Proposed action

-Allowing people to run with a waist/hip belt with a stipulated length from the back of the dog to the runner. This will take into account newer dog harnesses which clip further back on the dog, these harness often allow longer distance between the runner and the dog. This distance could be seen as a trip hazard. Shortening this length would reduce this risk. (No more than one meter from the dog to runner could be considered a sensible length). There would be no risk to runners passing a appropriate distance. Parkrun could having a specific brand or Parkrun suitable lead for this so it could be regulated. 

-Allowing the individual Parkruns to make a decision on the safety of dogs at their specific locations. This is already in place, with not all locations being dog friendly. This allows runners who are scared of dogs to participate and those sites not appropriate for dogs to be without. Great for everyone involved. Those with lops, narrow paths or large number of participants- dog might not be appropriate. Trying to allow dogs at least one location within certain distance or counties would be helpful to avoid people travelling long distances, due to the number of locations this should be achievable. A number of Parkrun locations already have separate starting and running paths for dog. Most issues are likely to be seen within the first kilometre, with everyone close together. 

-Consider letting dog runner start a few minutes before. This allows people to safely over take dogs as they are visible at all times and can be passed like a normal runner. Removing risk of tripping. This has worked at a number of larger events than park run such as Blenheim Palace fun run, with no issues.

-Although this is a run not a race, and therefore should be irrelevant. If people running with dogs are getting faster times and this is an issue, you could take all dog pair from the standings and just give them a persons time allowing them to work on their own PB (we all just want to run and most would happily run without even receiving a time) 

-Dog to only be allowed to run in a non restricting harness for their safety. Not on collars or head collar. Running on a hand held lead increased shoulder and back injuries for both runners and dogs, so would be appropriate for dogs to have to be run on a waist belt, allowing better control. 

-Individuals with dogs would have to run with insurance for the dog, this could be linked to their park run account if proof was required. Promoting responsible dog ownership. 

-Dogs to stay back during the briefing to allow for no noise distractions and people who are wary of dogs not to be frightened. A dog zone sign could help this.

A number of people are frustrated due to new changes not being in the best interest for the runners or dogs. Running on a handheld lead does not increase safety, dogs can still suddenly move in front of other runners and reduces the control of the runner giving one sided control, this may well actually lead to increased accident.

Mostly it’s upsetting to see the number of unhappy people who have been part of the Parkrun community for long periods time, now feel unwelcome. Especially since the vast majority of dogs run without any issues just like parents with buggies and children. People are either having to stop or consider driving long distances to try and find group events that are now suitable. 

There must be a solution to keep the inclusivity of Parkrun and allow our dogs to continue to run safely.

We thank Parkrun for considering a change to their new rules.