parkrun: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update: 26 May 2020

We can now confirm that parkrun events across the world will be suspended until the end of June.

Please note that this represents a minimum time-frame for all parkrun countries and we expect most, if not all, closures to be in place for longer.

Despite this announcement of extended closure, our view of the future is increasingly optimistic as the situation continues to change rapidly and dynamically across the world. There is now a definite and positive move towards relaxation of restrictions, and every week we get closer to the point where parkrun events will return to their communities.

As lockdown restrictions start to lift across some territories in which we operate, we’d like to thank everyone for not going to their parkrun venues, at parkrun time. Importantly, please do not organise group gatherings of any sort at your parkrun locations until such time as parkrun events have officially returned in your region.

This is critical in order to preserve the excellent relationships we have with local communities and stakeholders, as well as to ensure the safety of both parkrunners and other users of the space.

We continue to be cautious and thoughtful about parkrun’s return and we will, at all times, consider region-specific national and international government and public health guidance.

Whilst parkrun cannot recommence in any territory until the guidance allows, the restarting of parkrun will be a complex and sensitive process. It is imperative that any decision to recommence has the full and widespread support of volunteer teams, and the wider community. A major part of our energy over the next few weeks will be focused on gathering this understanding and insight, which will in turn inform our decision making.

Understanding the sentiment and feeling of our volunteers and communities is particularly key, as when the decision is made to restart parkrun, all parkrun events in that region will be required to start. Any events remaining closed would significantly and unreasonably increase pressure on those that open.

Volunteer happiness and welfare will always be at the heart of what we do and, prior to reopening any events, we will continue to collaborate with our communities in order to best understand local situations and implement appropriate processes in advance.

Thanks for your continued parkrun passion.

We are getting through this, together,

Tom Williams

Chief Operating Officer
parkrun Global