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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think ParkRun need to consider banning racers?

443 replies

justletusrun · 25/04/2026 08:49

My local parkrun has been overtaken by drama this week, after some men attended and basically turned the entire thing into a glorified race for themselves. They were pushing people out of the way, swearing at them and shouting at them to let them through.

I always thought the point of parkrun was to go and enjoy a 5k run and some socialising after. But it seems that across the country they’re being overtaken by people who are obsessed with “winning” it and getting the PB as a “chip time”.

i understand the sense of achievement you get from getting a PB, but I don’t think parkrun is the place to do it. Myself and many other women who have been attending for years are now considering not going again because it is so unpleasant.

AIBU to say they need to clamp down on this, before it becomes a big men’s club?

OP posts:
SilenceInside · 25/04/2026 09:05

it’s fine to go for a PB, that’s why it’s timed after all. The way these men went about it is the issue and is unacceptable. You should contact the park run organisers for that event and tell them about the pushing, swearing and shouting, if you haven’t already.

PrizedPickledPopcorn · 25/04/2026 09:04

I think different runs have different cultures- some, the slower runners start at the back and the front runner’s position themselves to allow overtaking- or not.

Others, it’s more of a community jog than a race. When people start touring to collect parkruns, the cultures clash.

Original poster
justletusrun · 25/04/2026 09:03

BananaPeels · 25/04/2026 09:01

If it was just a run with socialising why would there be any timing at all? surely the issue is is that you get a rank and so for some getting the 1st spot is very important. I’d be chuffed to have a first spot honestly (rather than the one at the bottom I would get!).

interesting reading all the debate about park runs in the last few days - why can’t it be something for everyone. Why can’t it be a competitive race for those who want it to be and just a fun run for those who don’t. They can start first and then everyone else behind? Like the London marathon does. Then you won’t get this sort of behaviour as those people are long gone?

not condoning these idiots btw but just suggesting that different people have different views about park run is and I can’t work out how they can’t be accommodated so everyone is happy.

In my mind the way to do it is let all the men with tiny penises show up half an hour before everyone else, race each other, and then let everyone else do it.

OP posts:
AuntChippy · 25/04/2026 09:02

Well, those men need to be banned for their behaviour, but I’d guess many park runners are aiming for PBs and have a bit of friendly competition.

My son tries to improve his time each week and he loves it when he’s faster than members of his running club.

TeflonBoot · 25/04/2026 09:01

There was a Parkrun event in my area the other week. I was actually tutted at by a few of the runners because I was in their way on a public footpath despite moving as far as I could to the side. The entitlement was outrageous, so the OP's post does not surprise me.

BananaPeels · 25/04/2026 09:01

If it was just a run with socialising why would there be any timing at all? surely the issue is is that you get a rank and so for some getting the 1st spot is very important. I’d be chuffed to have a first spot honestly (rather than the one at the bottom I would get!).

interesting reading all the debate about park runs in the last few days - why can’t it be something for everyone. Why can’t it be a competitive race for those who want it to be and just a fun run for those who don’t. They can start first and then everyone else behind? Like the London marathon does. Then you won’t get this sort of behaviour as those people are long gone?

not condoning these idiots btw but just suggesting that different people have different views about park run is and I can’t work out how they can’t be accommodated so everyone is happy.

Original poster
justletusrun · 25/04/2026 09:01

SunnyRedSnail · 25/04/2026 08:57

The shoving isn't acceptable but racing and trying to get a PB is fine. I know lots of youngsters that try and better their time each week.

I do understand that to a degree but if you’re behaving like this I think it just shows a disregard for the spirit of it, and for your community.

OP posts:
MaybeToxic · 25/04/2026 08:59

RampantIvy · 25/04/2026 08:52

They were pushing people out of the way, swearing at them and shouting at them to let them through.

Yet 29% of voters think you are being unreasonable, and think this is OK.

Words fail me.

The poll only had a few votes at this time, so it won't be 29% when the time is up.

lovealieinortwo · 25/04/2026 08:57

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SunnyRedSnail · 25/04/2026 08:57

The shoving isn't acceptable but racing and trying to get a PB is fine. I know lots of youngsters that try and better their time each week.

Original poster
justletusrun · 25/04/2026 08:57

RampantIvy · 25/04/2026 08:52

They were pushing people out of the way, swearing at them and shouting at them to let them through.

Yet 29% of voters think you are being unreasonable, and think this is OK.

Words fail me.

Guessing they’re the ones who go and do this sort of thing

OP posts:
Myfridgeiscool · 25/04/2026 08:56

They need to join a running club!
Thats not a nice war to start a sunny day.

Original poster
justletusrun · 25/04/2026 08:55

AlphabetBird · 25/04/2026 08:53

That’s terrible behaviour. They absolutely should be banned, which is not nice for the volunteers who have to have a potentially aggro conversation with them.

Theres plenty of track and other road races for people who want a fast run. Maybe they’re scared to enter a real one?

I was just thinking this. I think the reason they don’t is because they know they only stand a chance amongst women and the retired community! They obviously couldn’t compete in a race so feel the need to do this instead

OP posts:
Apprentice26 · 25/04/2026 08:55

Not all men eh ? But always a man ruining things

AlphabetBird · 25/04/2026 08:53

That’s terrible behaviour. They absolutely should be banned, which is not nice for the volunteers who have to have a potentially aggro conversation with them.

Theres plenty of track and other road races for people who want a fast run. Maybe they’re scared to enter a real one?

Coconutter24 · 25/04/2026 08:52

Trying to ‘win’ it or get a personal best is absolutely ok if that’s what someone attends for, the behaviour of how they try get it is not ok

RampantIvy · 25/04/2026 08:52

They were pushing people out of the way, swearing at them and shouting at them to let them through.

Yet 29% of voters think you are being unreasonable, and think this is OK.

Words fail me.

MaybeToxic · 25/04/2026 08:50

Yanbu. That person's behaviour wasn't in the spirit of the event and they should be banned.

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