To have been really put off Parkrun by this

[rookiemere]

I'll start by saying I love parkrun. I've done over 130 of them and it's a real treat to discover a new one when we're away on holiday.

Everyone there is lovely and welcoming and it's such a great way to start Saturdays with a 5km run.

I am also older, fat and slow, but this is fine as I'm not there to win it.

So last Saturday headed to one of my usual parkruns with a friend. There was a traffic incident so many people didn't make it. This meant that rather than being in the back 10 or so I ended up being the last person bar the tail runner. Again all fine and someone has to be there.

However for the last km or so as I went past people who were dispersing made a big point of clapping loudly and shouting on encouragement. Obviously meant to be supportive, but I've run so many of the damn things and I just like to be invisible rather than the obviously last, slow ploddy person who people want to help.

I'm actually really nervous about going again, it upset me so much. I could go to one with more runners and then I should be less likely to be right at the back, but its a further drive and the whole thing has knocked my confidence and I don't know what to do.

I’m actually not a bad runner, quite fit and slim. Sub 2 hour halves, which I think is not bad for 60. On your typical city mass participation park run or half marathon I’d be nowhere near the back. However, I did a sparsely attended and very challenging trail half marathon where everyone else was a) younger by a long way and b) obviously far, far more dedicated than me. I wasn’t actually last but I was worried I might be - and found that off putting. But I consoled myself I’m still ahead of those on the couch.

I was surprised and a bit confused by your post. I do parkrun in about 35 mins at the moment and frequently go with friends who take longer. When I’ve finished, I always cheer enthusiastically for everyone who has yet to finish, including my friends. I will reconsider in light of your post, but it never occurred to me that this would not be welcome. By contrast, I would feel bad just standing there waiting for my friends when I could be clapping and saying well done.

Dear lord! I despair of the human race at times! The VOLUNTEERS are supporting people when it could be their first time running, they're not patronising you, they don't think you're fat, or old or too slow! Just carry on plodding, the serious runners wouldn't do parkrun anyway

Some serious runners do do parkrun, at least occasionally. The guy who did the fastest time ever recorded at our parkrun had run for England in cross-country, I believe. I love watching people like that. One of the many things I love about parkrun is that there's room for him and there's room for me, and nobody makes me feel bad about being about three times slower than him.

They may intend to be supportive but if they make people feel embarrassed and/or patronised they aren't actually achieving their goal.

I never said anything about volunteers cheering or clapping. I have no issues at all with that and as they're giving up their time for free then good on them.

I also don't have a particular issue with people clapping, provided it's right at the end. I'd probably prefer it if it was just the volunteers, but I'm not a complete curmudgeon.

It was the swathes of people heading towards their cars cheering and clapping for the last Km that I found off putting. It's not a half marathon and I really didn't want or appreciate by stander support.

I'd give yourself a massive pat on the back if I were you. I'm definitely pretty much the slowest runner in the park - everyone overtakes me! - but I am running. I'm not super slim or super fit but I'm in reasonable shape. Just think how unfit and in what bad shape we'd be if we didn't do this stuff? And remember there are loads of people who aren't out there giving it a go. Really exercise doesn't have to be about competition - I always think it's sad that it's so often organised like this starting with school games lessons. Rather than having the philosophy of keeping fit mentally and physically it's all about who finishes first. All the best to you and keep running!

😂

What a miserable outlook on a bit of healthy fun.

@MasterBeth couldn’t be further from the the truth! I am really not a joiner innner type of person, and yes it’s annoying when fast runners on their second 5k give well dones but they’re just high on endorphins. Parkrun has helped me through some really difficult times with my mental health, and the atmosphere is inclusive, I go there run and go home with my family.

Yes I love that too.

I love the idea, especially at junior parkrun, that there are county level, national level, heck even world class athletes or potential athletes amongst the field, but also that no-one seems to care very much!

I can understand why you felt self conscious but I believe these folk are genuinely trying to be supportive and it’s all part of the welcoming environment you enjoyed before this experience. Please don’t let it put you off when you’ve enjoyed it so many times before.

I did a hill race a couple of years ago. It was advertised as being perfect for beginners. It wasn’t. It was mostly club runners who were all incredibly fast. There were a few of us who were slower. By the time we finished the race almost everyone had buggered off to the pub and there were just two people waiting looking annoyed at being held up. Horrible, cliquey bunch of people. I would have loved some friendly encouragement even if it might have been a bit embarrassing.

All those awful people who hung round to make sure everyone was cheered on and supported.

Utterly ridiculous post.

If you want to be invisible and anonymous, don't join events that have spectators.

This is the first time I actually understand the oft used phrase /tag #PeopleWillMoanAtAnything

I love the community aspect of park runs. The few runners I see locally are also very supportive and will give you a high five if you meet on a route.

I’ve only done a park run once. I was in my 20s and training for a marathon. I had already run 10k by the time I got there, was going to run the 5k, then run 10k back. I’m also a very slow runner anyway, but I absolutely was not trying to run the 5k fast. I had lots of people including the organisers saying ‘come on!’ as if I wasn’t trying hard enough. I do think Park Run’s are a fabulous idea but I haven’t been back for this reason.

i watch my son and I try to root on all those running, especially those at the back, and I have no intention of stopping doing that

lol. “You will listen to my unrequested encouragement and you will LIKE it”

Sad though if it means someone stops going because it embarrasses them.

We don’t like it though.

Leave us alone.

Yes, for some people it’s a regular thing!

Just gird your loins OP and head back.. and If you are ever in a position to, tell people not to bloody do it.

I’m always close to the back on parkrun and it doesn’t bother me. The parkrun director even came up to me and congratulated me on getting a couple of personal bests! It makes me run faster when people cheer and clap they aren’t in my opinion being patronising. Don’t be disheartened at least you are getting out and doing 5km every week!

My youngest child did the Parkrun a few years ago. He was in the last few people and his deputy head teacher was one of the marshals. She stood near the finish line and cheered and clapped shouting his name. I sure some children would have loved that, but anyone who has met him would know he isn't that child.
He walked really slowly the rest of the way scowling.
I think he made his point.

You’re not a fan then eh?

Yes we had one man at my local parkrun last year who got the course record and the fastest parkrun in the world that day. I knew it was going to be a fast one by how quickly I got lapped!

I agree with you op.
I ended up in tears, i was very embarrassed at my first parkrun attempt coming last and couldn't handle the encouragement.
Never been to another one

My dh came back from a run the other day near ready for collapse. These guys started cheering him on because they'd finished their run so he sprinted the last bit. Except he wasn't doing their park run he'd just started his and was then wrecked for the rest of it. He laughed it off and we had a giggle about it but it is annoying and a little patronising even if well intended