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Is a parkrun a race, a time trial, or something else?!

50 watchers
Dec 2012
12:40pm, 19 Dec 2012
48,318 posts
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Puddington
Ooooh, look at the massive submit bar....
Dec 2012
12:41pm, 19 Dec 2012
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SODIron © 2002
Rory, I don't have an issue with parkrun...I know several parkrun volunteers and count them as friends, and I do support anything that gets people off the couch and out the door.

My only beef is that parkrun insist on calling it something it is not in an attempt to ensure they can circumvent the rules and regulations that all other race directors have to have in place.
TZ
Dec 2012
12:41pm, 19 Dec 2012
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TZ
There is a widespread urban myth that the reason parkrun is not called a "race" is to free them from the obligations of insurance. This is plainly untrue.

The events are covered by the UKA's public liability insurance.

The reason parkrun don't use the term "race" is because they are offering something different to a traditional "race". There are so many existing excellent races in the UK which offer accurate measured and fully marshalled courses, accurate timing, prizes, mementos, etc. They are great for experienced runners and especially for the more competitive minded. However they are unsuitable for those intimidated by the atmosphere, they are not suited for young children, nor runners with buggies/wheelchairs/dogs.

What parkrun offers is a comfortable atmosphere where anybody and everybody is welcome to come and run 5k together. It retains its open and welcoming attitude by distancing itself from the connotations of being called a "race". For the same reason nobody ever "wins" a parkrun as it's not a race.

It may be only semantics to some, but the reinforcement by parkrun that it is not a "race" is fundamental to its principles of being an open-to-all environment without pressure.

Finally, it is their event and they are free to call it whatever they choose.
Dec 2012
12:43pm, 19 Dec 2012
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Keefy Beefy
parkfight!
Dec 2012
12:43pm, 19 Dec 2012
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FenlandFunRunner
I perceive racing and races to be elitist by their very definition.

Noun
A competition between runners to see which is the fastest in covering a set course

Verb
Compete with another or others to see who is fastest at covering a set course or achieving an objective

Now the guys and girls at the sharp end may construe the parkrun to be a race but the majority of runners that I see week in and week out seem to be in competition with nobody. For some completing the distance is a feat in itself.

I feel a sense of community, a family of runners with a common goal of enjoying exercise and also enjoying each other’s company.

Exercise should be fun and inclusive, that is parkrun!
Dec 2012
12:43pm, 19 Dec 2012
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Keefy Beefy
Or is it just a parkwrestle?
Dec 2012
12:45pm, 19 Dec 2012
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Puddington
Gosh, it's vry srs isn't it. For me, it's something I have done when I want a 5k PB. That's about as much thought as I've given it.

parktickle, Keef?
SPR
Dec 2012
12:45pm, 19 Dec 2012
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SPR
Parkrun has winners, go on thee website and you find a list of them.
Dec 2012
12:46pm, 19 Dec 2012
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SODIron © 2002
Like I said earlier...it's like me saying my £5 note in my wallet is a £10 note just because I want it to be..! It looks like a £5, is structured the same as a £5, therefore it is a £5 note...no matter how much I wish it was a £10 note it is, and always will be, a £5 note.

A race, is a race, is a race...
Dec 2012
12:46pm, 19 Dec 2012
21,354 posts
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Frobester
One man's terrorist is another man's athlete!

About This Thread

Maintained by HappyG(rrr)
Trying to draw this question away from Herman's very fun statto thread on "How many races have you...
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