parkrun now cancelled worldwide: parkrun.com... - Bridge to 10K

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parkrun now cancelled worldwide

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10
58 Replies

parkrun.com/news/2020/03/12...

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UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMore
Graduate10
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58 Replies
runwithdog profile image
runwithdogGraduate10

sad but not surprised.

sTrongFuse profile image
sTrongFuseGraduate10

Oddly, UK isn't in their list of countries where it is suspended, but the UK parkrun site says all runs are suspended.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply tosTrongFuse

I see it right there between Sweden and the US. This has been published in the last 40 minutes though... we weren’t on the list overnight.

sTrongFuse profile image
sTrongFuseGraduate10 in reply toUnfitNoMore

Maybe I need to clear my browser cache as it wasn't on my screen 5 minutes ago... Technology!!

Mumpark profile image
MumparkGraduate10 in reply tosTrongFuse

I had an email this morning saying that Parkrun is cancelled until the end of March until further notice

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

You just beat me to it UNM. I’ve just received this message too. So very sad. It also asks us not to turn up on Saturday and do it anyway, which is what me and my buddies thought we’d do. Although it has to be said the Coronavirus message has got more serious since then.

I do see a glimmer of hope in that message though. Maybe something will follow to allow virtual parkruns on our own to be recorded? Not sure but I’m sure something will come up.

A good time to be on the IC I think 🤔

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

It’s still possible to go run the course... and also with friends... if you do it a little bit like a rally event. All stay six feet apart and stagger the starts so that you’re not in a group as such. That said, 9am Saturday probably would be a bad time to choose... last time I was at a cancelled parkrun, a large group decided to run it anyway, and it was difficult to distinguish it from what normally happens... with the exception that there were no marshals to warn unsuspecting members of the public.

Yeah, if you’re gonna have an injury, now is the best time for sure.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toUnfitNoMore

Yes the mass turn out seems a bit disrespectful or cavalier now. We can arrange a select run in the week with me on the stopwatch , as the coucher! Our group are well spaced out in speeds so will not be running together.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

Has the Vitality World Running Cup also been. cancelled???

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toAlMorr

Not yet Al, but a warning that they may have to move it or roll it on to next year. Late May.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

My Thursday morning walking group has also been cancelled 🤣

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toAlMorr

Sorry Al, I was referring to the vitality 10k in London. I think the World Cup continues as it is virtual.

Sorry about you walking group but I guess the walkers are at the vulnerable age. I’m sure you’ll still walk on your own though and stay fit.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

Yes I admit among the 20 members, the youngest is 70, the oldest is 79.

The group is devided into 3 groups, the people who walk various distances, 1k, 2k and 4k, I am in the 4K group who usually walk round a local loch in 42 minutes.

On a recent Saturday morning when I wasn't at a parkrun I ran the exact same course in 27 minutes. O yes I will continue to walk and run on various days, even Boris says people must get out and exercise but not in large groups.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toAlMorr

Yes, and you have lots of virtual buddies on here to talk to. keep well.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

👍

Mumpark profile image
MumparkGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

You can do freedom runs you go to Your profile click on freedom runs And then fill it in

I think

I’ve never done it though

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toMumpark

Yes, I’ve never done freedom runs as they don’t count towards a T-shirt but they may use that and expand on it.....

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate10

I also thought it sounded like they may be putting something together: something 'virtual' or maybe something along their 'freedom run' lines. I imagine they will do all they can to support people while also trying to discourage people from turning up anyway by supporting them to do something slightly different. Fingers crossed.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply tolinda9389

It will be interesting to see what they come up with. Sadly, I think this may have prevented the one runner worldwide who would have done a parkrun on all 366 dates, I’m sure that was due to happen at the end of March.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

For those who don’t get the weekly email, it says:

Notice of cancellation

Hi,

We’re writing to let you know that, in line with public health advice, we have taken the decision to close all parkrun events across the United Kingdom with immediate effect. Initially, this closure will be in place until the end of March, however this is largely to bring all parkrun countries into the same time frame and we very much expect closures to continue through April at least.

Going forward we will update parkrunners regularly and aim to communicate important information as soon as is appropriate.

We know that this message may be a difficult one for you to receive, and many people will be wondering what to do without their regular weekly catch-up. Please rest assured that we are working hard to develop our strategy so that we are able to support the health and happiness of parkrunners around the world during this difficult time.

Remaining active is incredibly important, and we are working on ways to encourage and support that, however please do not arrange group gatherings at your parkrun venues whilst parkrun events are suspended.

Thanks for your continued support, and please know that the parkrun family is there for you.

Kind regards,

sTrongFuse profile image
sTrongFuseGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

This time last week, that email wouldn't have had any impact on me, as I actually didn't have a free Saturday morning until the middle of April. Now it's just one more thing on the list of events that are no longer on.

Probably just as well I'm an anti-social hermit who prefers running solo anyway...

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply tosTrongFuse

Sorry that you cannot do your referee job, I shall miss the garmin tracks of your games. This country does revolve around sport, and TV is going to have to fill a few gaps.

Wenderwoo profile image
Wenderwoo

Yes, I got the email too - not surprised 😕

damienair profile image
damienairAdministrator

I’m looking forward to parkrun starting back up again. I completely agree that it has to stop in the current situation. In the meantime I’m going to continue training and working towards being fitter and faster when parkrun does start back. Stay well and stay healthy everyone.

Damien

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply todamienair

I think there will be some very busy runs when it comes back.

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10

Yes, sad news, but needs must. I went for a run in the woods with my friend this morning (we kept a safe distance from each other), and we spotted a lone duck sitting high up in a tree. Even the ducks are social distancing now.

Stay safe and well everyone. x

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply toSadie-runs

🤣 the ducks must be wondering why they’re suddenly on a diet

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10

Sad, but I’m glad they’re doing the right thing. 💕

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate10

I've hit like... But I don't ☹️🤔

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toKatnap

☹️ Very sad that our planned meet ups may not happen .

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

The next meet will be the best 😃

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toKatnap

It sure will.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply toKatnap

Yeah... good job there’s no hate button or I’d be getting a complex

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate

No surprise, just hope we can all keep running even if not in groups

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

Solo and small groups with 2 metres between us is ok at he moment.

Deals1 profile image
Deals1Graduate10

Sad news but no suprise. I'm hoping we will still be able to run solo or with a few pals. But who knows.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply toDeals1

So far we are good for solo and carefully spaced small groups... let’s hope it continues.

Debston profile image
DebstonGraduate10

I was expecting this and I do think that it is the right decision. But it makes me feel so sad. I will probably go and run the usual course (assuming that the Forestry Commission keeps it open) over the weekend and log it as a freedom run.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply toDebston

I think the forests need to be open for the government’s plan of us getting out, safely, for exercise. Here’s hoping you can get that freedom run in.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toUnfitNoMore

National Trust are closing houses , shops and cafes but opening up gardens and grounds to everyone - no charge. Well done NT

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Graduate10

I must admit i shed a few tears......parkrun means so much to me.....but it will be back.....😥💪🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Mx

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply toMadge50

It will... and stronger than ever no doubt.

SofaJockey profile image
SofaJockey

The right decision. I'll keep running and will log some 'freedom runs' in the meantime.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply toSofaJockey

I used to think it was a strange name... but as life is becoming more restricted, it’s very apt!

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate10

But we can still run...

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply toju-ju-

We sure can... just walked the dogs in the park and it’s empty... bathing them and then getting back over there.

Amblerman profile image
AmblermanGraduate10

Absolutely the right decision. Sad right now but just imagine the excitement when it returns. I have a feeling it will take 3 minutes to get through to the start at my local one.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply toAmblerman

Yeah, it’s gonna be a huge party no doubt, not a day for a PB, but what a celebration it will be.

FatterPenguin profile image
FatterPenguinGraduate10

this is the only news throughout all of this that has made me cry. Don't really understand why it's affected me so much, and it is definitely the right thing to do, but I feel terribly sad about it. Perhaps its all those Saturdays venturing down to Park run in rain, gales, snow etc.

but, being positive, that first run when we reconvene will be phenomenal. though whether I'll still be able to run 5K at the point is debatable! 🏃‍♀️😊

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply toFatterPenguin

parkrun is more than a run, it’s such a big community thing in most places... it has me more upset than all the annual events being cancelled. Of course, a couple of years ago I couldn’t have cared less 🤣

I’m sure when it does return many will be unsure as to wether they still have 5k in the legs... but it’s never really about that anyway... some jeffing will make the party last longer anyway!

theoldfellow profile image
theoldfellow

It can't be helped. It's not just the runners, many of whom are over 70, but the volunteers on which it all depends. Very few of them are spring-chickens, or mega-fit superheros....

Um......

...actually there are some superheros. At Keswick we have one marshal with a debilitating wasting illness who turns up every week on his electric bike. We can't put him at risk, although he himself is probably screaming at the fates having just got the cancellation news. And then there's the 94 year old regular...

Keep cheerful folks. This too will pass.

❤🙏❤

FatterPenguin profile image
FatterPenguinGraduate10 in reply totheoldfellow

aren't some people amazing?

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply totheoldfellow

I do love the way parkrun isn’t just about the young fit and fast runners, or the middle aged “best do something about it” brigade... there’s always plenty of the more senior citizens and kids. Not many activities that 5 and 95 year olds can have fun participating in together. The community spirit is ridiculously strong too... gives me a lot of hope for humanity. For a couple of people I’ve met, volunteering every Saturday is the highlight of their week.

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10

Disappointing but keep on running folks until we can all parkrun and meet up again!👍

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10

Paul S-H has just posted this

blog.parkrun.com/us/2020/03...

Very poignant I think❤️

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply toJonathanP

Very... and he’s thinking the same way as a lot of us I think, that first parkrun back is gonna be huge!

Coddfish profile image
CoddfishGraduate10

It was (sadly) inevitable. A number of us were recognising last Saturday at Southsea that it would likely be the last one for a while. It’s also sad that each time I have been out for a run or walk this week in my normal running area, there are fewer and fewer people about. I hope if/when they move us to full lockdown, they do still allow you out for solo exercise (as France are currently doing). Still, the home gym now has some more elastics and a Swiss ball to go with the existing elastics and dumbbells. Hope we can all stay cheerful.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply toCoddfish

I’ve not missed the two walkers with dogs who fill a whole path and don’t yield at all so far 🤣

I can’t see them saying “get on the couch and lose fitness” as that would make us less protected if we are talking months.

Plenty of options for indoor fitness and strength work... we are currently looking at this, and the Strength & Flex forum is a good place to start. The more kit the better, but there are also ways of using just bodyweight for training.

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