Parkrun’s decision earlier this year to remove many of its records from its website has been well-documented and widely criticized. The decision, according to parkrun leadership, aimed to make the events more welcoming and accessible to all participants, particularly newcomers who might feel intimidated by the presence of performance-focused data.
The statistics in question included records for age categories, personal bests (PBs), and leaderboards. Parkrun’s justification for removing these was rooted in its mission of promoting inclusivity. In an official statement, the organization explained:
“We know that for some people, the perception of parkrun as a performance-focused event can be intimidating, and this can prevent them from joining us.”
Yet, many in the community were quick to challenge this reasoning, arguing that the removal of these statistics eroded an essential part of what made Parkrun engaging for seasoned participants.
Meet The 83-Year-Old parkrun Record Bagger
We spoke with Robin Drewett, 83; a regular Parkrun participant from Herefordshire, UK, who has completed over 265 events:
“The age categories are a really good target. When I was 80, I set 16 age category course records in my first year in that group. It was a brilliant way to stay motivated and connect with others in my age group.”
The Petition: “Bring Back the Stats”
The backlash to Parkrun’s decision led to the creation of the “Bring Back the Stats” petition on Change.org, which has garnered over 26,000 signatures to date. The petition’s organizers argue that the removal of performance statistics alienates core Parkrun participants who have been loyal to the organization for years. A central claim of the petition is that the statistics do not discourage new participants, as Parkrun asserts, but rather enhance the experience for seasoned runners.
One of the petitioners wrote:
“The removal of these stats is a significant loss to those of us who value them for personal motivation and engagement. For years, parkrun has used these statistics as a form of gamification, encouraging participation and fostering a sense of community. Why change something that has worked so well?”
The petition organizers also point out that the statistical data is still being collected and stored by parkrun but is simply no longer displayed publicly. They propose a compromise: to make the statistics accessible for those who want them while keeping them out of sight for those who might feel intimidated.
Community Outrage and Parkrun’s Response
The change in policy has sparked heated discussions on social media and among Parkrun enthusiasts. Many feel that the decision was made without adequate consultation with the community. In an interview, Drewett said:
“Parkrun admitted that it wasn’t managed very well. Either in terms of their communication or in terms of their rollout. It just disappeared without notice. And when they finally explained their reasons, it didn’t ring true. They said the stats were off-putting to new starters, but surveys show that’s not why people stop participating.”
Despite the outcry, Parkrun’s CEO Russ Jefferys defended the decision in an open letter to the community, reiterating that the organization’s primary goal is to encourage participation, not competition. Jefferys wrote:
“Our aim has always been to make parkrun as inclusive as possible, and we believe this change is in line with that mission.”
The Financial Angle
Drewett pointed out that the controversy comes at a time when parkrun’s financial health has also been under scrutiny. A 2023-2024 financial report revealed some red flags, including a decline in capital reserves and increasing expenditures outpacing income. This has led some to question whether the removal of statistics might be tied to broader organizational challenges.
“The financial report shows that capital reserves are below the required three months. They’ve taken on more senior management and are expanding, but something isn’t quite right financially,” noted Drewett. “Ignoring a core group of loyal runners—who volunteer and contribute significantly to the community—feels like a commercially wrong move.”
The Role of Statistics in Motivation
For many runners, Parkrun’s statistics have served as a form of gamification—a proven strategy to boost engagement and motivation. Studies in sports psychology have long highlighted the importance of measurable goals in sustaining physical activity. Age-graded rankings, PBs, and other metrics provide tangible targets for runners, regardless of their experience level.
“I found the age category rankings and records incredibly motivating,” said Drewett. “They gave me something to aim for, even as I’ve slowed down with age. It’s not about competing with others—it’s about competing with yourself and staying active.”
Broader Implications for Parkrun
The removal of statistics raises questions about the future direction of parkrun. Can it balance its dual roles as both an inclusive community event and a platform for personal achievement? It’s been argued that the decision alienates the core group of participants who have supported parkrun for years through volunteering and active involvement.
“The group advocating for the stats to return includes people who’ve been with parkrun for years—experienced runners, volunteers, and loyal supporters,” said Drewett. “They’re not just casual attendees; they’re the backbone of the organization.”
Parkrun has hinted at plans to double its global participation in the next five years. While this is an admirable goal, many question whether sidelining experienced participants in favor of newcomers is the best strategy for sustainable growth.
A Path Forward?
Despite the controversy, there may be room for compromise. The petition organizers and other members of the community have proposed solutions, such as making performance statistics available in an optional, opt-in format. This would allow those who value the data to access it without imposing it on others.
“Parkrun has all the information,” noted Drewett. “Why not enable access to it for those who want it? If they want to hide it from the front page, that’s fine—but don’t take it away entirely.”
Parkrun’s decision to remove performance statistics has sparked one of the biggest controversies in its 20-year history. While the organization’s intention to promote inclusivity is laudable, the execution of this change has left many feeling alienated. As Parkrun looks to expand globally, finding a way to balance the diverse needs of its community will be critical. Whether through better communication, a return of opt-in statistics, or other measures, Parkrun must address the concerns of its most dedicated participants if it hopes to maintain its status as a beloved institution in the running world.
These stats were important to me, like so many others. It was a crazy thing to remove them, and even worse that parkrun have dug their heels in and not yet tried to find a solution that works for everyone. Parkrun should do the right thing, and make them available again for those who wish to view them. They hurt no one and were such a power for good.
It was a BS decision imposed from the top for ideological reasons. They should listen to people and not patronise us. Speaks volumes of when an organisation becomes too ambition for its own health and loses track: it’s the members, not its values, that make its inclusivity possible. Bring back the stats!
Well said
I also took great interest in the age stats to see how I compared & I often volunteered however I am less inclined to volunteer as it takes up a lot more time marshalling with many taking their time walking dogs round the routes.
All for inclusion and helping get people out & improving health, but without active brisk walking or jogging – it fails.
I no longer Parkrun. Enough said.
Ridiculous decision. The suggested option of an opt-in for the age category stats, is an easy solution that works for both sides. Parkrun just got on an implement this solution before you lose a lot of experienced runners and volunteers.
parkrun stawarts are falling aside on a weekly basis and no amount of propoganda will change that. Some folk who were involved since the early days do pop back occasionally to meet any old friends left, but even that is unlikelt to be sustainable, except to those who “benefit” in other ways maybe.
Wokeism again runs off the rails!
Disgusting
We all know the real reason sits in amongst the transgender kerfuffle. No amount of hiding behind nonsense around records being intimidating will fool anyone.
I still get my result complete with age stats. Don’t know what people are complaining about, presumably they want to be in the top ten or something ? Why not run a race then instead ?