Parkrun

One of the first tasks when we arrived in New Zealand, other then to buy a bumper tub of sun block, was to find somewhere to live. And that was no mean task and the subject of a whole different blog. It would be wrong to suggest that it was a prime consideration, but it wasn't entirely a coincidence that we ended up living a short distance from the local parkrun event. And now, because a new venue started up, we are fortunate enough to be within running distance of two events.

For the unaware, parkrun is simply a phenomenon, and a simple one at that. Just register online, print off your bar code and you can take part in weekly free 5km runs around the world. Not at the same time obviously, that would be well impressive, but take you pick and get out there. The fantastic thing is that all sorts of people take part, from the ultra-fit to those who are pulling on a pair of running shoes for the first time. All are welcome and all are cheered on.

Each event is free and entirely manned by volunteers and without them parkrun simply wouldn't exist.  That's why every regular parkrunner is encouraged to volunteer three times a year. Encouraged but not enforced. Which is why I'm ashamed to admit that I've been in NZ for nearly two years (yes it really is that long!) and haven't once volunteered. Well that wrong will be put right today as I head off soon to Western Springs to man the bar code bucket. Incidentally, Western Springs must be one of the strangest locations for a parkrun. It's next to Auckland Zoo and it's quite unnerving to be running and hear the occasional toot from an elephant or roar of a sleepy lion.

The whole thing feels like an extended family and it's great to be part of a local community that meets up and just runs, jogs, walks or pushes a pram around a 5km course.

Which is why I find the recent news from the UK about the Little Stoke parkrun very disappointing, where the local council has decided to charge runners for using the park. As a free to all event, the organisers had no choice but to pull out.

Perhaps equally disappointing, however, are the negative comments I social media from non-parkrunners. The arguments go something like this;

"Why shouldn't parkrunners pay? - they are causing additional wear and tear to the park."

"They are clogging up my park on a Saturday morning and spoiling it for everyone else."

"If other groups, such as local football teams have to pay then why not them?"

"Running is an obnoxious elitist sport and those who take part are fools."

"It's like a cult. They've been brainwashed."

"Why do they need to run together? They're like a herd of Lycra-clad elephants."

That last comment is a particular favourite as it came from the mouth of Giles Coren who, and I had to look this up, is the restaurant critic from The Times. Well that explains that. I like food as much as the next person but being paid to write critiques about food must be one of the most pointless and soulless jobs in the world. No wonder he's bitter. I'd like to see Mr Coren run today and see how he does against local legend JJ who will finish no doubt in just over 15 minutes. If he's taking it easy that is.

I have taken part in parkruns in the UK, Australia and New Zealand and in fields of runners from 30 to 300 and have never witnessed any the behaviours or attitudes stated above. But let's take a look at each point in turn....

Firstly, I admit that I am a couple of kilos heavier than I should be. I blame the Sauvignon Blanc, but even with this extra weight I very much doubt that my running shoes are going to cause any additional wear on the park's paths. In fact the opposite. I have to replace my shoes every 400km or thereabouts, so shouldn't I be sending my bill to the council? And even when parts of the course are on grass, the last time I checked it grows back.

As far as clogging up the park goes, it is total nonsense. Parkruns start at 9am in the UK (or 8am in NZ and Oz whilst it's cool) and the whole thing is done and dusted within an hour. Most people wouldn't even know we'd been there as we are long gone before other park users are still swallowing the last remnants of their breakfast toast.

So why shouldn't parkrun pay to use the park like everyone else? This is perhaps the thorniest of the issues as other users, football teams being the most often quoted example, are sometimes charged. Firstly, running is a low cost exercise and doesn't need much in the way of additional equipment. In fact none. Maybe the use of the loo before, after, and in my case during the run. That was a close call I can tell you and a parkrun that I'm not going to forget in a hurry. I wasn't so much pacing myself based upon time but how many steps I had before I could relieve myself. I'm not shitting you. Unlike... let's not go there. But we all pay our taxes, and taxes go towards the provision and upkeep of facilities and services. Like parks for example. So rather than ask why shouldn't parkrun pay to use the park, shouldn't the question be why should anyone pay to use the park? It's been paid for once so why again? If we start charging for runners then why not dog walkers for emptying the dog bins, families for the use of the toilets, picnic benches and litter bins, and pensioners for the use of the benches. Heck, let's just privatise the lot and charge an entrance fee.

Running couldn't be further from an elitist sport. Yes there are elite athletes but how many sports are there where it is quite usual for 'ordinary joes' to line up along side the world's best? Just enter one of the larger events and there is a good chance that you will be running with, if not alongside, the likes of Mo Farah. It's the equivalent of going to the local park and having a kick about with Lionel Messi. Elitist? I think not.

Now the next point, I have some sympathy with. For the outsider looking in, it must look at little strange. How else would you explain the fact that it's freezing, dark and lashing with rain yet there are still runners pounding the streets. Very odd behaviour. And parkrun has their fair share of obsessives - those who would rather risk injury than miss a parkrun. Yes I'm looking at you Mr Hickey at 188 runs and rising! I have to admit, however, that it's not unusual for me to arrange holidays to coincide with being at a new parkrun venue on a Saturday morning. Yes us running types are obsessives, but cult-ish? 'Yeah, nah' as they say in NZ

Finally, running can be down either solo or in a group. And that's the beauty of it. I'm as happy running in a group and having a chat than I am running solo. Running solo, without the distraction of music, is great therapy and an opportunity to clear you mind, marshal your thoughts and put your life in order. Hhmm, maybe that explains why my runs are getting longer and longer. But running in a group is equally fantastic and one of the great joys of parkrun. It's a social occasion, chance to meet up and exchange stories and go for a coffee afterwards. Ask the local cafe businesses if they mind people running on a group and I'm sure they'll say not at all!

So just as I don't understand the need to own a dog, push a pram or turn up and kick a ball around a field, I appreciate that there are those that don't understand the attraction of running around in circles. We all have our quirks and that is what makes us human. Whether we prefer playing football, baking cakes, doing crosswords, watching tv or running in the park let's celebrate that. Whatever 'that' might be.

For me it's running. I understand this makes me a little odd in the eyes of others, but there are hundreds of thousands around the world who would understand, clap and cheer me on. So I say leave parkrun alone. We really are not doing any harm. Stop being so bitter about something you've not experienced. Surely there are more pressing matters in the world to worry about?