Little Stoke Parkrun: Event cancelled after council becomes first in world to charge runners to use Bristol park

A council near Bristol has become the first in the world to charge a global organisation of amateur runners to use a local park.

Parkrun, which expanded from London to organise free weekend jogs around the world, prides itself on being inclusive – and free.

But Stoke Gifford Parish Council has ordered runners to pay £1 each to cover maintenance costs, causing organisers to close the event.

More than 16,000 joggers and supporters signed a petition asking the council to keep Parkrun free but councillors voted to bring in the charge by six to four at a meeting on Tuesday night.

Organisers of Little Stoke Parkrun announced the closure of the event shortly afterwards, saying the decision violated a “fundamental principle that there should be no barriers to participation and events should always be free”.

The group expects numbers at nearby events around Bristol to increase as hundreds of people who joined two free timed runs on Saturdays.

A spokesperson for Parkrun UK said it was “extremely disappointed” by the council’s decision.

“Parkrun has had unprecedented success in engaging the least active and encouraging them to exercise regularly,” he added.

“Providing free weekly access has been fundamental to this and we are disappointed that this opportunity is to be removed for the residents of Little Stoke.

“Our aim is to break down barriers to participation in, and delivery of, physical activity and this is consistent across 850 parkruns worldwide, which are all delivered by volunteers and are free to take part in.

“Imposing a charge at one event is something that contradicts our founding principles and would set a precedent that threatens our future.”

Athletes were among those condemning the decision on social media, where former London Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe said running should be free for everyone, adding: “Am totally against this short-sighted decision.”

In a statement ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, Stoke Gifford Parish Council said that Parkrun had caused “increased wear” on the park over the past three years and that organisers had refused to contribute towards maintenance.

The council said hundreds of runners from the surrounding area “monopolised” park paths and car parks and used toilets and facilities funded by local people.

A spokesperson said car park resurfacing recently cost £55,000 and path repairs are due to cost £60,000.

“Parkrun maintain it is their ethos to remain ‘free of charge’ and have repeatedly stated they will not pay towards the upkeep even when the council offered to complete a grant application on their behalf and all that was required was their signature,” the chair of the council said.

“The Parish Council cannot and will not stop people from using the parks for exercise and running but when it comes to an organisation with paid directors, fund raisers and sponsors it would be unfair to expect the resident’s to pay."