The ‘inclusivity’ argument is garbage. Park run is so welcoming and represents such a breadth of abilities. Removing the top times and course records is very sad. Why should we as a culture stop celebrating and recognising stand out accomplishments for some perceived need to pander to inclusivity. I’m firmly in the mid pack, but good on ya’ if you set a course record. We wanna keep cheering for you please. 📣🚀🙌

I’m never going to set the course record, I just like competing against myself, but I don’t like this erasure of records to appease a small but very vocal few. My wife has been first female many times at our parkrun (I’ve been first male twice, purely luck!), and those stats are now not shown. Won’t change me going to Parkrun, but not a fan.

I love a stat! Doesn’t make sense to remove those - it’s a great motivation for those that can get it and for the rest of us…you just don’t look for it. It doesn’t matter that it’s there! Should bring it back for sure.

The fact of the matter is that Parkrun is a volunteer lead organisation that isn't out there to make money. So if an issue starts arising, and people start arguing over something. The easiest thing for them to do is take the thing away and do nothing more. I don't agree with them taking down the records, but I can see why they did.

Surely someone who is slower is going to know that they are. The age rating and rankings were always useful and I feel encouraged those who are older by allowing them to know that they're top 5 over 70 year old etc.

I feel sorry for Andy Butchart, he worked so hard for that record.

Let’s face it, parkrun has been disingenuous about the reason for this change. If they really believe stats are “off putting” to new participants, why aren’t they stopping the texts that give finish positions, scrapping the emails that break down individual performance by category, and binning the weekly results table. But why stop there? What about those runners that flaunt their prowess by brazenly displaying milestone t-shirts and wristbands - ban them too!

I’m pleased that the Running Channel will be covering this controversy, the parkrun HQ press release was poorly thought out and dishonest. I cannot see any progress being made because every event, worldwide, is going to be stripped of its history and achievements; its idiosyncrasies and identity: results are going to be a list of names and a couple of numbers. It’s worth adding that there have been three significant milestones at Southampton this year, now consigned to oblivion: the course record was broken; a woman came first for the first time ever and, last Saturday, the M80-84 record was smashed.

This is so ridiculous. I haven't gone yet, but was planning to go this spring and was looking forward to comparing my times with people of my age. If it makes you feel bad about yourself, don't look at the stats. What is wrong with people.

Removing difference is, I feel, the opposite of inclusivity (slow runner who gets lapped)

Its a shame. I know its not a race - but as Mark Lewis says, there's a start line, a finish line and they say "Ready, Steady- Go!" - soo.....close. Surely those who turn up for general "get-out-of-the-house fitness or purely the social aspect don't HAVE to look at the times/results if they don't want to?....

The sort of decision that gets made by a committee that has become trapped in its own little reality bubble. It's just a minor change thankfully, but what planet are they on that they believe that more people would run it if only they weren't aware of the course record? And secondly, do they realise that parkrun is important for the physical and mental health of the faster runners too? If the logic is that removing course records makes it more welcoming to beginners, isn't there also a subtle message to faster runners along the lines of 'your pace is an inconvenience and not particularly welcome'

I thought parkrun was growing? Now we're in a situation where an organisation is taking responsibillty for people's feelings, which is a very individual thing. Baffles the mind.

As someone who will never even come close to a course record, I don’t understand this at all. I would look at course records, have a little laugh to myself at the thought of getting within a country mile of it, then carry on with my own training. This just feels unnecessary to me…

I heard 3 ladies last weekend talking happily about finishing top 3 in their 45-49 age bracket. The Parkrun UK is so disconnected and disengaged with their local parkruns and the joy of those events we all experience from participants and volunteers...as the cental organisation disappears up its own backside, you do fear for the future of those local events.

Why does a small group get to spoil something that has worked for years?

I’m never going to break the course record, but I imagine it makes it harder to see at a glance how different courses compare. If I run a slow time it can be reassuring to see some of the best runners in the local area struggle on the same course. I also think doing something to encourage more experienced runners to take part is essential for maintaining the community atmosphere.

Bit over the everyone wins a prize mentality that is coming into many things. Well done to all the people who have course records, it's well earned. In saying that, I win a prize every time I do parkrun because I am able to do parkrun. it doesn't matter about the time, it matters that I am able to do it and might be better each week.

Absolute nonsense to remove the stats. Mara was right to protest and Parkrun would be better taking a lead from World Athletics.

Such a shame they’ve done this. It won’t bring new runners but will likely turn away loyal followers. Inclusivity doesn’t mean changing core values for the sake of a minority.

I absolutely love getting my times and cheer on those who are much younger, fitter and going for the course records at my local parkrun , why cant people be a little less political and a bit more encouraging, growth minded and celebrationary of other peoples talents, skills and achievements - still going to cheer them as they dash past me ❤🎉

Not sure why someone running 30minutes is going to be bothered about 13minute course records. Guessing if you're a serious runner there's plenty of actual races and you can save your own stats on Garmin or Strava etc I've come first in a parkrun where the same time I would only get a top 50 other weeks, depends how many people take part

I only compare myself to my own previous runs. If I can’t do that, then its frustrating but I’m not bothered about not being able to compare myself to others

Parkrun bosses have got this so wrong! 👎

Surely inclusivity applies to all runners, including those keen enough to set records. Beginners were always welcome at parkrun, but this move could put off some the top-level runners which seems less inclusive to me.

Being a timed event is probably more of a barrier for some, but that being said I don’t want them to stop doing that. I believe part of the magic of Parkrun is there’s something for all, records for elites, facts and figures for data lovers, and just a generally supportive atmosphere for those who just want to turn up and have a go. Kind of feels like they’re removing something that appeals to some, and won’t encourage newcomers.

Completely wrong on so many levels

There are plenty of opportunities for faster runners - let's encourage as many people as possible to get active! You can still track your progress, you can still track your age grading... Highlighting only the very fastest WILL put people off. It took me years to feel 'good enough' to join a running club, and in encouraging others to join a club or do parkrun I have often felt the same nervousness

I didn't really bother about my Parkrun PB until I got my first one over a year ago. Not bettered it since. Now I just run. Like many others, if I get a new PB, great. If not, so be it. It doesn't put me off. I Marshall too. 👍

I can only see this as a negative. The idea that someone could be put off from attending parkrun due to course records etc is completely ridiculous if anything I think it's more likely to discourage people as it takes some of the enjoyment away. Why didn't parkrun ask first before making this decision. I'm sure most runners/walkers don't agree with this. It's been so successful because it appeals to all kinds of runners. I'm never going to achieve any records but good luck to people who do they've earned it. They've also stopped publicising the average amount of runners attending each week. What's the point of that?👎👎👎

Inclusivity means including everyone, that is also people who do it for the times and competitive aspect. Its put me off parkrun - I've championed it for years.....but don't feel so enthusiastic anymore.

I am not fast at all but use park run to challenge my self. Think its ridiculous they have done this. Never felt like i didnt belong at a event. Its always been an extremely inclusive event and taking this away does nothing.

I have a few records and am pissed off about this. I won't bother going anymore. The world has gone mad. People go to beat their own best. Someone who is looking to break 30mins won't care that someone else is trying to break 14mins.

We have a local community race series up here that sets up two finish shoots-- one timed, one untimed. It's a bit more flagging, but I think it is a better compromise.

The records were great. It's massively inspiring running alongside elite athletes every week. At parkrun you only race yourself from last week or your mate... it's always been inclusive for all.

There's nothing inclusive about this decision. I'm a pretty good 62 year old runner who loves a bit of healthy competition against myself and (quietly) others of my age. Now I feel that runners with my mindset are less welcome. I feel excluded by the 'inclusivity' 😢

It's a sad day for Parkrun. I can't understand why they gave in to this nonsense.

This is ridiculous, I love getting that email with all those statistics. If you don't like it then sure an option to turn them off is fine _for you_ but if you feel bad just because of times then... toughen up. Honestly. It's an inclusive event already with tail runners and being welcoming of people of all abilities.

Lots of people who are already parkrunning saying how obviously welcoming and inclusive it is - making the mistake of not looking outside of the in-group. People who already know it's welcoming are not the ones who need to realise it's welcoming if parkrun is going to have the biggest impact possible on fitness and participation

Someone needs to start another run. For people who want some friendly fair competition.

Feels like they've been bullied into making an unpopular move. They don't seem to realise, you should never make concessions to a bully because they will always want more.

I am glad you brought this up only heard about it recently and thought thats mad, part of parkrun is the volunteers who are usually the faster ones who are going to help parkrun grow and assist with volunteers.

Two things. many commenters don't seem to know what the "more complex" reasons are, and if they did might understand how a volunteer organisation might want to try to dodge the bullet. Second, you can still check the individual park runs for current and historic results, and your individual stats for all recorded parkruns. The only thing that seems to be missing is the absolute records for each age/sex category and location. I think most people can still get what they want.

Don’t get it, should still be available to anyone who wants to see them. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Feel bad for anyone who’s earned a course record

It only matters to less than 1% of runners who really should have bigger targets than that at their level. However, even as somebody who generally believes in the human right to any group to live how they want, I still draw the line at being able compete for elite results, that is not a ‘right’. It’s very definition is that 99% are born wrong to have the genetics, even if those wrong genetics are really “common” stuff like too low a VO2 max, wrong twitch muscles, etc. Elite is elite, it’s unattainable to most of us, it’s not inclusive, it’s special, and that’s why it’s revered.

I'm never going to be a record breaker but I love to see others doing so well. I feel its a big mistake to remove the big stats

Gonna go for my first one this weekend. Would have been cool to see the best numbers and day dream how much that would have hurt to do

There's nothing wrong with a little bit of competition, even if it's just to try and improve your own time. I think Parkrun has always been inclusive so unfortunately it's probably just a handful of complainers spoiling it for everyone.

Milestone T-shirts are far more intimidating for new runners that statistics on a web page

I want to know the course records so I know if it's a fast or slow course. That way I can judge myself relative to my known times when I visit a strange parkrun.

I'm sure most people don't care that they'll never be the quickest. For what it's worth, I'm personally inspired by the faster ones NOT intimidated.

I don’t know the argument behind not having times, but for me it’s a huge motivation. It’s not whether I run it faster then someone else, after all for 99.999% there is always someone faster than you. what I want to know is have I improved against myself. Whether I take an hour to complete or 15 minutes doesn’t matter, what matters is I am working to improve myself.

This topic deserves to be covered in more detail in one of your future podcasts, so I hope that happens. I personally believe it's a bad decision by parkrun - most people don't even know or care about the category records, so I don't buy the argument that it dissuades people from participating.

I will miss the stats. For me running the parkrun is just the gateway drug. The real action is (was) spending an hour going through the numbers on a Saturday afternoon.

Absolutely pathetic decision...absolute delusion if anyone thinks course age grade records are putting whole swathes of people off..some of the more elderly have been mightly proud of their achievements through age grading etc...and now we cant celebrate the remarkable..for example the 90 yr old that breaks the age grade record for that course...if anything it has damaged parkrun inclusivity..but that's the political nature of the world today..

There should be a “stats for nerds” toggle like on KZfaq. Want to view your time relative to your age group? Done. Want to look at how fast you’ve run against a PB? Done. May as well not be timed if they’re going to hide all the juicy bits 😢

The unintended consequence of this is that I feel unable to write another run report as I heavily used the statistics of that event in the report. I will be writing to parkrun about how I now feel excluded as a result of this drastic change.

Madness, I don't run it often but when I do I run to beat my time, I run against myself, and really love seeing the results. If you don't care about the results then don't look at them or don't take the barcode with you and just run. It's not hard, the few ruining it for the rest of us as usual.

It was a good way of keeping track of yourself relatively to how you have gone against others and at an event. I may go more often to mid long run runs since I don't need to worry about maintaining my average position. I did somehow manage to tear my hamstring the last time I ran one :)

If you choose to be a new gender that you weren’t born with at birth then ask park run officials to create a new park run gender group along with the hermaphrodites. Don’t force the cancellation of historic run data. If looking at historical gender/age run data records offends you then don’t look but don’t prevent others.!!!

If it's not broke don't fix it, lol they broke parkrun 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Not sure why they’d take records down. They wouldn’t do that in the Olympics??? Strange decision by somebody that’s not got a competitive bone in there body no doubt.

A total disgrace.

I'm slow as hell, and I don't get the big deal. Who cares who ran it in 45 minutes and who ran it in 13 minutes, we all ran laps around the people sitting on their couch. I don't think anyone is getting bullied over their times, and it's a casual event so obviously people are going to be running a huge variety of paces.

I think running is already the most accessible activity in the world, but the variety in how you run and why you run is what keeps it so diverse! I think more people lose and in a more significant way than what the few people marginally gained.

Wow, I think this is really sad. My goal currently is to run a sub 25 minute 5k, I'm currently a little under 28. So I know I'm not going to be the fastest any time soon but I think it is fun to keep stats. I guess people can do it themselves but I feel like if you put in the effort to beat a course record, you deserve a little pat on the back

Parkrun has always been great for mental health. How many quicker runners are going to be affected by this thoughtless decision? I know it's not a race but it's a great feeling being able to run fast and have that achievement recognised. I hope they have the sense to change it back again but I doubt it, big mistake!

It's not the absence of times on a website that makes Parkrun welcomming and inclusive. Its the runners at Parkrun that does it! That does not change. Are they smoking pot at Parkrun?

It is a strange thing that stats got removed as being something that harms new runners participating. As regular parkrunners we have grown to expect these stats and use as motivation and also good to see how fast runners can run the 5km. I see no reason why Parkrun, this data cannot be continued and that each runner simply opt-in or out from seeing Historical stats. Default it to opt-out and you have the solution of giving new runners less daunting data and those of us who want it, exactly what we have today. its just software in the end and its not difficult.

Who can be put off by being at the bottom of the stats list? I am behind most of people and happy others did better, if anything I feel happy to see my name on that list

I was interested in doing a ParkRun someday. Not much interested now without the competitive aspect and the stats they had online. As an INFJ I need some sort of incentive to show up and hang with a large group of people. Plus nearest ParkRun is days drive away for me.

Popcorn at the ready.

I can still see all the course records and all of the stats I use to track my progress, so for me nothing of value was lost. The removed pages mean less clutter. The website could still use a bigger update to make it easier to navigate though.

Apparently Parkrun was told to do something about the trans issue by the Govt which provides some funding for Parkrun. Great! Another minority group pacified while the silent uninformed majority can take it or leave it. I’m not in favour of their solution for the want of a better word.

This is why we threw that tea into the harbor.

I completed my first parkrun just a couple of weeks ago. I was super nervous about it being timed and that detail going online. But I got my sub 30 I was aiming for and was stoked to see my little number on the website. If I worked my ass off and got the fastest time in the world I would be a little miffed that it wasn't on the website. Even being able to look those things up for research and interest was fun. Sad they've made this change.

Dont like this change, yes this is coming from someone whos not slow but i cant see how that would put someone off doing parkrun. And i always enjoyed trying to see how close to the couse record i coudl get.

I'm thinking of creating a new running event because I feel personally competition is good .

It wouldn’t surprise me if a new entity was formed like a parkrun 2.0. Or even 1.0 (back to how it was!). It obviously wouldn’t compete but I could see it gathering some momentum fairly quickly if the consensus (as it seems it be) is this latest decision from Parkrun is the wrong one.

I always like seeing the parkrun record times to see if the particular parkrun would be a slower or faster route / course (similar as you would for other running routes). I don’t think it’s much different to checking the number of attendees to that parkrun - it’s just some extra information that can be useful when needed. But can also be ignored if not

After running parkrun for 15 years and mow 62 being a first finisher is no longer going to be an issue. The changes if they stay can only lead to one thing division. A stat geek like me will always want all my and others records. How long before a “serious club ,district ,national” time trial emerges?

Really disappointed with parkrun it is already inclusive as it is, you only need to go to see the vast difference in running abilities and people who also walk the course and to add insult to injury they have brought out an app they want people to use to motivate you 😂😂😂

My 23 year daughter is trans. Many have said that she (and other trans people) are to blame for this. So I wanted to write to you about our story... My daughter runs with me and other family members at parkrun. None of us are very fast and would never come near any course record. We're nearer the back of the pack! We do it because we love it. The national debate about trans people has been toxic lately (ie: trans ppl are predators, cheats etc) and it's impacted my daughter's mental health. For that reason, positive experiences like parkrun are important for her. Fortunately, she isn't obviously 'trans' to look and most of her friends, work colleagues etc don't know her history. So if she wasn't able to register as a female at parkrun then she would have to choose between never joining in another parkrun again - or 'outing' herself, which in this day and age can be dangerous. My daughter isn't a cheat. She's not a danger to other women. She didn't ask for this change to parkrun. She, like the vast majority of trans ppl, are just trying to get by without being excluded or hounded out of daily life. We love the Running Channel - thank so much for what you do!

I do feel this decision has actually spoilt the eel of parkrun now that has been politicised. It wouldn't surprise me if people stopped attending.

I love seeing who ran and who came first second etc and celebrate the better runners achievements. Fast runners will always be competitive, us slower runners certainly don't feel put off because there are faster runners?

The stat that sticks in my mind is "Fauja Singh - 179%" If that doesn't make you realise the stats are nonsense, I don't know what will

I am a slow runner and the record has never put me off, was just in awe of the people who could achieve that time. What did put me off was the volunteer who said well done walker when i was trying to run 😂😂😂

I only attend parkruns when i am away from home. As its just hubby and i we love to see our stats - age, gender, pb etc. We might as well run on our own using Strava. It was my daughter in laws first run/walk and first park run a few weeks ago. It made her feel really good that she was 2nd female in her age group. Some people walk, some run. What does it matter.

You can still compete against yourself, if you like. Or refocus on the community that ParkRun is really about.

I identify as a runner. Sometimes I run in a park, other times on the road or even occasionally a trail. Whilst distances, times, weather conditions, footwear and many other factors are variable, I always prefer running to rambling but when this topic arises then it’s probably best to simply ramble in a very vague manner and hope it doesn’t offend anyone.

Oh, how amazing life will be when no one is considered unique anymore. When everyone's time is the same, our efforts are meaningless, we all have the same rewards-no matter the efforts....we all think the same, dress the same, etc. Maybe, the officials can tell us what we will be when we grow up like NK does. Then, none of us will have to work for anything. "You'll have nothing, and you'll be happy." -WEF 2016

Mad about it, our local parkrun is very hilly it’s great fun but the only time statistic left is the average time which is an average time for all park runners male and female and my PB after 100+ parkrun is slower than the average. That one statistic is a de motivator and is irrelevant to me as includes both sexes. I like to compare my efforts with other female runners in my age group. Some weeks I go flat out other weeks I chat sometimes I tailwalk or volunteer but I love knowing how fast the course records are and who has ran it under 17 mins etc. Absolutely crazy decision by parkrun let women have their sports and their records and let’s keep PR fully inclusive fun and yes slightly competitive if that’s your bag !!!!! Come on it surely isn’t that difficult

I run against myself and, well, maybe whoever I can see in front of me. No other time matters.

I liked the stats, I know I'll never be the fastest but it was great to see how I did and like knowing if I was improving relative to my age.

I honestly wish each country's parkrun could make this decision for themselves. Like back when parkrun decided to print and post all milestone tee shirts for everyone globally. That was such a pain in the @rse for us outside the UK, when it used to be so convenient back when I achieved my 100 milestone because they were printed locally (for way cheaper). Now we have to order it from the UK and it costs as much as a branded tee shirt without the postal charges. Now our local parkrun records are no more! Our run director and us had plans to bring in an elite marathon runner to smash our local parkrun record, which has stood for many years.

It make Sense. Its a lot off people running together and the runners on the Lead have to Run between them

I’m afraid I will never run a ParkRun again. Where are we going as a society? This is ridiculous.

A sad day and poor decision by parkrun. It's supposed to be inclusive but they are now trying to exclude the faster runners by taking away incentives. They are just pandering to the few. I'm a mediocre runner but enjoyed seeing how quick people were on courses and how far of i was from the age grade records. Also, was good to see where i was inmy age grade ranking for that day. When was it bad to be competitive and encourage further progress. It's now a sad culture of he/she is faster than me, that can't be allowed 😔

Should never been removed...it doesn't discourage people as anyone not interested simply wouldn't look at them! I love seeing how well others run...surely parkrun should be about appreciating all runners and that includes the speedy ones too!

im always wanting to see how i was doing vs myself and vs others. i only just started going, only 2 races in... and this change makes it way way less appealing to me. ps im not fast at all. i just hate that a small group have ruined it for me