Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

parkrun defending their position

780 replies

Funtime2 · 26/04/2026 11:52

I used to be a parkrunner and do not understand how parkrun can defend their position of allowing trans identfying males into the female category.

I read that 280 published race winners in the female category are actually men identifying as women. How is this fair to women? Some women don’t care about this but some women do, just as some men take it as a race and care about the rankings and some men don’t

The other option of course is they could stop the timing, stop recording winners and records?

AIBU to genuinely not understand why parkrun claim not to be a race when they time the runners, publish times by category, rank times and runners, and have record holders by category.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
21
AllJoyAndNoFun · 28/04/2026 07:10

BananaPeels · 28/04/2026 07:00

Actually not true.

Parkrun results are automatically passed to Power of 10 and Run Britain Rankings, which are the official databases for British Athletics

this mean these time can be used for ranking, handicaps and help qualify people for official races and events. Parkrun isn’t just a personal run it is an official time trial event.

Edited
Show quote history

And herein lies the problem. Parkrun is trying to be all things to all people because its funding model depends on big numbers and roughly half the people want something completely different to the other half. When this all kicked off there was talk of not publishing results, until they realised that would massively reduce participation but they also need to keep emphasising the "public health, free and non-competitive" angle because a lot of their funding depends on that - they're not getting any funding specifically to get elite and club runners a bit quicker but their other funding (sponsorship/ grants) indirectly depends on those runners turning up every week. They're basically stranded in no man's land now but it's a problem at least partly of their own making because whatever they do now will look like a huge concession/ stand.

I agree with other comments that PR cant realistically be expected to police this- investing in verification technology will be prohibitively expensive and volunteers cant be expected to challenge people as they cross the line. However, I think in their shoes I would capitulate now and quietly change the registration to male/female and ask existing runners to "reconfirm their details" .

BananaPeels · 28/04/2026 07:09

Bumb13B33 · 28/04/2026 07:03

That is ridiculous, they’re not run under test or competition conditions.

Show quote history

regardless, doesn’t stop it being true though.

the whole event was set up specifically for the purpose of time trialling runners. The whole ‘it’s
a community fun run’ came much later

Original poster
Funtime2 · 28/04/2026 07:08

Lisanne55 · 28/04/2026 07:01

Parkrun is not a competition. It is a weekly timed run. The timing element allows you to compare your performance each week. Yes, the first finishers are published but there are no prizes or recognition. Fast runners have as much right to attend as slower ones.

I fully agree that men should not be registering as women and that parkrun shouldn't allow this. However, I do wonder whether people commenting here, saying everyone should time themselves etc, have ever actually been to a parkrun or even run.

as @BananaPeels said

Parkrun results are automatically passed to Power of 10 and Run Britain Rankings, which are the official databases for British Athletics

this mean these time can be used for ranking, handicaps and help qualify people for official races and events. Parkrun isn’t just a personal run it is an official time trial event.

OP posts:
Bumb13B33 · 28/04/2026 07:03

BananaPeels · 28/04/2026 07:00

Actually not true.

Parkrun results are automatically passed to Power of 10 and Run Britain Rankings, which are the official databases for British Athletics

this mean these time can be used for ranking, handicaps and help qualify people for official races and events. Parkrun isn’t just a personal run it is an official time trial event.

Edited
Show quote history

That is ridiculous, they’re not run under test or competition conditions.

Lisanne55 · 28/04/2026 07:01

Parkrun is not a competition. It is a weekly timed run. The timing element allows you to compare your performance each week. Yes, the first finishers are published but there are no prizes or recognition. Fast runners have as much right to attend as slower ones.

I fully agree that men should not be registering as women and that parkrun shouldn't allow this. However, I do wonder whether people commenting here, saying everyone should time themselves etc, have ever actually been to a parkrun or even run.

Bumb13B33 · 28/04/2026 07:00

Funtime2 · 28/04/2026 06:57

Not one person has suggested the run is a single sex setting.

You seem to be struggling to understand.

Show quote history

Nah absolutely am not.

BananaPeels · 28/04/2026 07:00

Bumb13B33 · 28/04/2026 06:48

Me thinks you’re getting a little carried away. You do realise you don’t get to dictate. Parkrun is not a competition, it’s a non competition run in which times are listed for personal knowledge.

Show quote history

Actually not true.

Parkrun results are automatically passed to Power of 10 and Run Britain Rankings, which are the official databases for British Athletics

this mean these time can be used for ranking, handicaps and help qualify people for official races and events. Parkrun isn’t just a personal run it is an official time trial event.

Bumb13B33 · 28/04/2026 07:00

Anyway at the very least Parkrun could still publicise scores but without dividing into sexes. Nice one. Something else you’ll have managed to ruin. Must be great living such sad little lives constantly on the lookout for any activities trans children and adults participate in, jumping into bully and ostracise. 👏🏿

Original poster
Funtime2 · 28/04/2026 06:57

Bumb13B33 · 28/04/2026 06:49

😆Park run is not a single sex space setting. Everybody runs together.

Show quote history

Not one person has suggested the run is a single sex setting.

You seem to be struggling to understand.

OP posts:
Original poster
Funtime2 · 28/04/2026 06:56

Bumb13B33 · 28/04/2026 06:48

Me thinks you’re getting a little carried away. You do realise you don’t get to dictate. Parkrun is not a competition, it’s a non competition run in which times are listed for personal knowledge.

Show quote history

@Bumb13B33

Do you think that men should be able to identify into women’s sports at elite level?

OP posts:
Bumb13B33 · 28/04/2026 06:51

alliumursinum · 28/04/2026 06:46

@Bumb13B33 re “MN tantrums’ (your interpretation) not changing anything… you do know how the women behind FWS first connected with each other, yes?

Oh yes we’re all aware of the bullying, nasty targeting of a vulnerable community and the taking over of threads, made many of us run a mile.

Bumb13B33 · 28/04/2026 06:49

alliumursinum · 28/04/2026 06:48

And yet national tracker polling very much indicates agreement with views expressed on FWR relating to single sex spaces, including sporting activities

Show quote history

😆Park run is not a single sex space setting. Everybody runs together.

alliumursinum · 28/04/2026 06:48

Bumb13B33 · 28/04/2026 06:46

A MN thread on which the same old trans activists pile on is not the majority of people. 🙄😆

Show quote history

And yet national tracker polling very much indicates agreement with views expressed on FWR relating to single sex spaces, including sporting activities

Bumb13B33 · 28/04/2026 06:48

Funtime2 · 28/04/2026 06:35

Why do they want to register their times publically. They can time themselves can’t they? There’s a hundred and 1 apps that do that or go old school and check your watch!

Show quote history

Me thinks you’re getting a little carried away. You do realise you don’t get to dictate. Parkrun is not a competition, it’s a non competition run in which times are listed for personal knowledge.

alliumursinum · 28/04/2026 06:46

@Bumb13B33 re “MN tantrums’ (your interpretation) not changing anything… you do know how the women behind FWS first connected with each other, yes?

Bumb13B33 · 28/04/2026 06:46

Funtime2 · 28/04/2026 06:44

I’m delighted to see that the vast majority people agree that men, who ever they identify, should not be timed as women.

Run, enjoy, identify how you like, be welcomed but don’t record your time as a biological woman because it skew the data for women.

A MN thread on which the same old trans activists pile on is not the majority of people. 🙄😆

Original poster
Funtime2 · 28/04/2026 06:44

I’m delighted to see that the vast majority people agree that men, who ever they identify, should not be timed as women.

Run, enjoy, identify how you like, be welcomed but don’t record your time as a biological woman because it skew the data for women.

OP posts:
Original poster
Funtime2 · 28/04/2026 06:35

DeftGoldHedgehog · 28/04/2026 04:57

But the millions of people who run every week and want to register their times don't want that! Who the fuck are you to speak for them?

Show quote history

Why do they want to register their times publically. They can time themselves can’t they? There’s a hundred and 1 apps that do that or go old school and check your watch!

OP posts:
Bumb13B33 · 28/04/2026 06:34

DeftGoldHedgehog · 28/04/2026 05:00

"You will" not do anything of the sort you absolute fantasist muppet.

Show quote history

I know, utterly bonkers as is this we will ruin a much loved activity by politicising and pushing our agenda regardless attitude. Vile.

Original poster
Funtime2 · 28/04/2026 06:33

DeftGoldHedgehog · 28/04/2026 05:04

Parkrun is a much loved and highly successful public health project, not a competitive sport and the ego trippers that get off on barging past mums with pushchairs and elderly runners, should just do one. The country is full of clubs where they'd be welcome to indulge their athletic prowess while not spoiling Parkrun for the many that enjoy it for what it was made for.

Indeed. Neither will it be destroyed by sad fucker ego trippers and keyboard warriors from various gender or political movements seeking to use it to make a point either way on here.

The same feminists who fought back over years to get the IOC to make the Olympics fair and won?
Those muppets?

OP posts:
sashh · 28/04/2026 06:10

Funtime2 · 26/04/2026 12:01

I don’t understand, genuinely I don’t.

It’s so blatantly wrong but people defend this in the name of inclusivity.
How would it affect trans identfying men to register by sex. They know their sex, they just pop in on their registration as they would if they filled out a form in hospital and then get on with their day and run identifying how they feel comfortable. That’s inclusive for all, surely.

You are new to TRAs aren't you?

Trans women get off on beating women. They like being in the 'wrong' spaces.

Everyone is expected to go along with their lies and if you dare to say 'you are a biological man' you will be attacked.

ThatBlackCat · 28/04/2026 05:07

DeftGoldHedgehog · 28/04/2026 05:00

"You will" not do anything of the sort you absolute fantasist muppet.

Show quote history

Wow....

And you clearly haven't heard that legal action will be launched. It's in the news.

Denial ain't a river in Egypt!

ThatBlackCat · 28/04/2026 05:07

DeftGoldHedgehog · 28/04/2026 04:57

But the millions of people who run every week and want to register their times don't want that! Who the fuck are you to speak for them?

Show quote history

Well then that's too bad! Fairness matters more. There is no need to register times. None of it is necessary.

DeftGoldHedgehog · 28/04/2026 05:04

Parkrun is a much loved and highly successful public health project, not a competitive sport and the ego trippers that get off on barging past mums with pushchairs and elderly runners, should just do one. The country is full of clubs where they'd be welcome to indulge their athletic prowess while not spoiling Parkrun for the many that enjoy it for what it was made for.

Indeed. Neither will it be destroyed by sad fucker ego trippers and keyboard warriors from various gender or political movements seeking to use it to make a point either way on here.

DeftGoldHedgehog · 28/04/2026 05:00

ThatBlackCat · 28/04/2026 04:43

Parkrun themselves have said that that's what it's about

Then they need to stop publishing category, timing and ranking.

It's really very simple. It's not rocket science, what needs to happen.

it's their organisation, their run, so that's all that matters.

Not when they are given millions of pounds in taxpayer funding, it ain't!! The taxpayer public decides, not the 'organisation'! And we will decide for them in court. They will be forced to do the right thing. Or fold. Actions have consequences, and they are about to be on the 'Find Out' end of FAFO soon.

Show quote history

"You will" not do anything of the sort you absolute fantasist muppet.