In a dramatic about-turn from previous statements, Parkrun look set to “bring back the stats” and allow runners to once-again have access to historical running times and statistics — including course records, first finishes, and age-graded and category records.
In a note seen by Marathon Handbook’s editorial team, Mary Taylor — the founder of the Bring Back The Stats petition — shared the outcomes of a call she had with Parkrun management, including CEO Russ Jefferys.
Taylor noted that “they are very aware of the stats issue. They really want to develop something with the community, that gives access to interesting and useful data.”
In the meeting, the company’s leadership noted that Parkrun is taking significant steps to bring back stats and may have a new statistics-driven website up and running in a matter of months.
But even if Parkrun wants to reverse course and start sharing stats again, they’ve got a few challenges ahead of them.
A Step Forward: A New “Stats” Website
According to Taylor, there are now concrete plans to restore access to key statistics that were previously removed from the Parkrun website. The proposed solution is an associated but separate website that will be fed directly from Parkrun’s database.
The extent of the data included, along with accessibility requirements such as login credentials, is still under discussion.
“Their idea for a way forward is an associated but separate Parkrun website, fed from the Parkrun database, that contains some or all of the removed detailed stats. It may be completely open or require a login,” according to Taylor.
In the meeting, parkun said it would begin developing the concept for a stats site, without indicating exactly what data it could or would include, and that the organization would begin “working through all the technical details.” Representatives also said Parkrun would be involving both members of its community of event operators and those passionate about re-introducing stats.
The Latest hurdle: GDPR And Privacy Concerns
One of the major challenges Parkrun is currently grappling with is the intersection of data access and privacy regulations, particularly under GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), which is a series of laws in both Europe and the United Kingdom that govern internet privacy.
Per Taylor:
“At the same time, Parkrun is facing increasing challenges around privacy and how data is being used, in terms of GDPR. This issue conflicts with trying to put more data online, so it is something that needs to be balanced.
They might go in the direction of other platforms, where you set consent levels for who can see your data, whether it’s just you, friends, or anyone, and that your name might be listed publicly in results list, but the ability to click on a name to see individual historical data could be restricted according to your set privacy levels.
This could lead to gaps in data, so they are trying to manage a solution for that, but they think progress can be made in both areas (giving more access to data whilst protecting people’s privacy).”
It should be noted that GDPR was implemented back in 2018, long before Parkrun removed statistics from its online platforms.
Investing In Digital Transformation
A key figure in this initiative is Calei Smith, Parkrun’s recently appointed Head of Digital Transformation. Smith will oversee the digital strategy and rollout of any new website, which may initially launch with a basic framework before expanding in response to community feedback.
“The website might start out fairly basic to get it started quicker, and then things would be added to it, in time and in response to feedback on it,” Taylor said of the proposed plan for a stats site. “They hope something can go live fairly quickly — perhaps in the next few months.”
A More Open Approach to Feedback
One of the most notable aspects of the discussion was Parkrun’s willingness to engage with the “BBTS “Bring Back the Stats” group and acknowledge past missteps. According to Taylor, the Parkrun CEO asked which removed statistics were most important to the community and encouraged ongoing feedback.
While no final decisions have been made, Taylor is optimistic. “We agreed that ultimately, we all love Parkrun and want it to thrive,” she said via email. “It was a positive and productive conversation, and I look forward to seeing the next steps take place!”
Parkrun has been a global running phenomenon in the past few years, originating from the UK where it has helped fuel the current running boom; even King Charles III turned up to a recent Parkrun 5K event:
