Firstly, thank you so much for taking the time to sign the petition, with over 20,000 of us now united in calling for the return of the course stats! Your comments and reasons for signing continue to give inspiration as to why this is worth standing up for.

Yesterday, I came across an interesting page on the parkrun global website about the organisation, called ‘values’, which included the following rather pertinent statements.

“We act with humility and always put the family first.

We’re humble. We know a lot but not everything. We take responsibility, acknowledge personal errors, and are open to learning, developing and improving.”

“We’re kind, caring, compassionate and empathetic. We assume others mean well. We’re aware of our actions and how what we do impacts others. We apply our founding principles of equality and inclusivity to every situation and opportunity.”

“We see and hear each other. We respect ourselves and others, support and help one another, listen attentively, and celebrate the uniqueness, strengths and diversity of our family.”

“We are honest, authentic, and accountable.

Trustworthiness, honesty and integrity are foundational to our family. We’re honest about what we know and what we don’t know. We hold each other to account. We communicate with transparency and empathy, acknowledging that communication influences behaviours, emotions and feelings, and underpins effective collaboration.”

We will continue to urge parkrun to apply these values to the removal of the course stats, with the aim to find a mutually acceptable solution. We want parkrun to be the most inclusive it can be, for both our current and potential new runners. We are resolute in our belief that parkrun is only the best it can be with the course statistics in place, from the inspiration that they give. We will not disappear, nor will our beliefs or our determination in calling for the stats to be reinstated.

We believe that without the motivational course stats, the parkrun formula will be weakened, interest for many will wane, and runner numbers will sadly reduce in the long term. Some people may already be making a personal choice to not attend parkrun until the stats are back. Others may be boycotting the parkrun shop, their sponsors, or stop personal donations. Some people may be wearing T-shirts at their local parkrun, to demonstrate their protest to the change. I would love to hear what actions you are taking, if you would like to share them with us in the comment section below.

Thanks again, and have a good weekend, whatever you are up to!