Parkrun, a global organisation that hosts free weekly running events in open spaces, has announced that it will no longer display data such as course and age-category records on its website. The decision is part of its effort to make its data less performance-oriented and more aligned with its mission of creating opportunities for as many people as possible to take part in parkrun events.
Why parkrun made this change
According to a document that appeared on social media from parkrun, the organisation conducted a review over several months by a global working group to consider how it can present data in a way that is not off-putting and does not imply that parkrun is a race. The review showed a disconnect between the performance data displayed so prominently on the site and the organisation’s values of providing a free community event and an opportunity to be active, social and outside in a non-competitive, inclusive and welcoming environment.
The document stated: “We know that our websites are an important source of information for all parkrunners, especially for those who are new and yet to take part. Our insight tells us that some of the content we share and how we present it can be off-putting or create opportunities for misunderstanding (e.g. parkrun is not a race but we list most things like most first finishes).”
What data will be removed and what will remain
The data that will be removed from the parkrun website includes attendance records, course records, fastest finishers, most first finishes, and age graded or category records. The organisation said that these data are not essential for the enjoyment of parkrun and may discourage some people from participating or registering.
The data that will remain unchanged are the results pages for every event, the personalised results email and the individual profile pages. Parkrun said that these data are important for personal achievement and motivation and allow parkrunners to track their progress and compare their results with others.
How parkrunners reacted to the change
The announcement of the change has sparked mixed reactions from parkrunners and the wider running community. Some praised the move as a positive step towards making parkrun more inclusive and accessible for everyone, regardless of their ability, age, gender or background. They said that parkrun is not about competing with others, but about enjoying the benefits of physical activity and social connection.
Others criticised the change as a loss of valuable information and a sign of caving in to pressure from certain groups. They said that parkrun is not only about participation, but also about performance and improvement. They argued that parkrun should respect the achievements of those who have set records or reached milestones and that removing the data would diminish their recognition and motivation.
How parkrun responded to the criticism
Parkrun has defended its decision and said that it was not influenced by any external factors or campaigns. It said that it had been considering changes to its data policy since before the Covid pandemic in 2020 and that the decision was based on its own research and consultation with parkrunners and volunteers.
Parkrun also said that the change does not affect its policy on gender self-identification, which allows entrants to choose their gender category without requiring any proof or verification. Parkrun said that this policy is consistent with its ethos of inclusion and respect and that it does not have any impact on the fairness or integrity of its events.
Parkrun added: “We’ll continue to take steps to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy parkrun for what it is: a free community event and an opportunity to be active, social and outside in a non-competitive, inclusive and welcoming environment.”
