In response to the strong opposition to the changes, the CEO issued an open letter on Wednesday, explaining the reasons behind their actions. While we acknowledge many shared values, we firmly contest the rationale for removing certain statistics.

It is crucial to address the notion that course statistics, including age category records, create barriers to participation. Age records and course statistics are not the culprit; they are symbols of progress and personal growth. Removing them risks diluting the inspiration that drives individuals to overcome fears and embrace the parkrun community.

At the forefront of each site has always been the latest results alone, showcasing the complete spectrum of our celebrated participants across every age and ability. The course statistics, available for those who wished to delve deeper, served as a huge source of motivation for many. Eliminating them only succeeds in erasing the shared sense of achievement, excitement, and inspiration so many of us derived from them.

Our goal is to protect parkrun's unique formula that has motivated millions. We envision a parkrun that continues to welcome all, celebrates diversity, and recognizes personal achievements. Parkrun must continue to be there for everyone, by allowing us to engage with the event in whichever way we chose, including using the course statistics for inspiration if we wish to. This choice has always been the beauty of the inclusiveness of parkrun.

Excitingly, our petition has nearly reached 15,000 votes, thanks to your support. Yet, our mission continues. The petition now appears on over 20% of the parkrun Facebook event pages, and we will continue to reach out to more people over the weekend. Thank you so much for sharing it widely – the weekend will be a great opportunity to get the message out further still, be it to fellow members at events or through online communities.

Despite social media challenges, our commitment to spread the message remains unwavering. Every parkrunner and volunteer deserves awareness of the changes and the opportunity to have their voice heard through the petition. Our shared commitment to parkrun binds us, and through respectful dialogue, we can ensure that our views are heard.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment. Parkrun HQ want us to accept their judgement and move on – we will not. Together, we urge parkrun to review their decision and bring back the stats. #loveparkrun #bringbackthestats