This afternoon, I had a video call with CEO Russ Jefferys. Below is a summary of our discussion.
Their idea for a way forward is an associated but separate parkrun website, fed from the parkrun database, that contains some or all of the removed detailed stats. It may be completely open or require a login. A project group has just started to develop the concept, looking at what data to include, and working through all the technical details. They would like to involve a range of members of the community in its creation, from various groups, including those from the BBTS group.
At the same time, parkrun is facing increasing challenges around privacy and how data is being used, in terms of GDPR. This issue conflicts with trying to put more data online, so it is something that needs to be balanced. They might go in the direction of other platforms, where you set consent levels for who can see your data, whether it’s just you, friends, or anyone, and that your name might be listed publicly in results list, but the ability to click on a name to see individual historical data could be restricted according to your set privacy levels. This could lead to gaps in data, so they are trying to manage a solution for that, but they think progress can be made in both areas (giving more access to data whilst protecting people's privacy).
That said, they are very aware of the stats issue. They really want to develop something with the community, that gives access to interesting and useful data, whilst also safeguarding data responsibly. They do not have a solution or all the answers yet, but they do think that a website can be developed and evolve over time that can improve access to the removed stats.
Head of Digital Transformation, Calei Smith, who joined about 6 months ago, will be leading the digital strategy. The website might start out fairly basic to get it started quicker, and then things would be added to it, in time and in response to feedback on it. They hope something can go live fairly quickly – perhaps in the next few months.
They are also thinking of creating some technology or data ambassadors, to get involved in these kind of projects, to ensure they’ve got the community voice present as much as possible.
In the longer term, parkrun may develop an app that contains lots of the extra data, and the websites might then have less on them, with just the essential information, but this would not be any time soon.
Russ asked and noted down which statistics that were removed were generally most important to people. He expressed that he is happy to hear feedback on their ideas, which I can collate and forward on to him as a point of contact, and he will keep us updated as the projects take shape. He would like to build bridges and we agreed we would both like to bring more unity back to parkrun. I appreciated his honesty, in acknowledging that they haven’t always got it right. He said that the reported comments made in the last meeting caused them some challenges, although he acknowledged we were entitled to share them. We agreed that ultimately, we all love parkrun and want it to thrive. It was a positive and productive conversation, and I look forward to seeing the next steps take place!