Maidstone parkrun might close :(

[benwill]

This is kinda sad Maidstone parkrun might not be any more due to a management change at the venue where we start/finish. I hope something can be sorted out as a great run along the river Medway.

parkrun.org.uk/maidstone/ne...

kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/...

I hope the Local Council and new management can sort this out, but if anyone is in the area it be great to get the biggest turn out on Saturday to show support.

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

Y not get the people involved to contact local Councillors, press and let people know? I am sure all partners gain a lot of good publicity supporting a keep fit community led event like parkrun too

[ndgould Graduate]

I was planning on going to my usual park run at Great Lines Medway as it won't be on on the 7th but will see if I can get a lift over to Maidstone to support the cause! It's such a lovely course it would be awful if it had to close. I'm sure the council could help organise one round Whatman or Mote Park if the new management of Kent Life really don't want to continue but hopefully a big turn-out this weekend will convince them to keep it as it is!

[benwill in reply to ndgould]

it be great to have you along.

[AdamB Graduate]

I rather hope that the publicity that this story appears to be getting may cause the the new operators of Kent Life to have a rethink. It would appear that it's not folding because of a lack of runners or organisers, but because of the lack of a venue.

Are there no other suitable locations in Margate? Looking in from the outside, and not understanding the local politics here, there wouldn't appear to be insurmountable problems. The organisers certainly seem to be willing to continue. It's not like the Camp Bastion parkrun which had to fold about nearly 2 years ago for very good reasons.

[benwill]

Yes your right with 250 people each week its well supported I just hope the new management come think that is good to have ParkRun on there site.

Margate is a bit far! but Malling is not so far away.

[benwill]

Good news, it looks like it might all be ok! the management company taking over the venue allows a parkrun from one of there other venues and are open to the Maidstone Parkrun continuing. Its not set in stone but at least positive.