© Copyright – 2021 – Athletics Illustrated
Parkrun asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson to allow Parkrun to return. They warned that further delays to its return could spell the demise of the free weekly runs.
Organisers claim they face significant and unjustifiable barriers from several councils around Britain because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore Parkrun has asked for Johnson to help out.
The 5K runs that take place around the world in city parks were suspended in March 2020 as the pandemic was declared.
Parkrun was scheduled to return in early June 2021, however, were delayed to the 26th. Parkrun organisers fear that further delays may happen and the effects will be deleterious.
Sebastian Coe, World Athletics president supports Parkrun’s return.
The letter to Johnson reads, “It is clear that we need a significant intervention from the top of Government to convince a few councils that their actions are inappropriate, and that Parkrun should be allowed to continue to benefit the mental and physical health of local communities in a safe and responsible manner.”
Albeit this is probably true, a free event that is simply a gathering of people for a fun, weekly run at any effort, bears little in infrastructure or fixed costs.
