To think ParkRun need to consider banning racers?

[justletusrun]

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?

At my local PR, were reminded each week that we share the area with other users, and pushing them ( or slower runners) out of the way, swearing, tutting ect is totally unacceptable. On occasions when I have been marshalling, I have told runners off for pushing others.

That's a great attitude and you sound like a real asset to the organisation. Contrasts starkly with the 'get in the sea' person a few posts ago.