Parkrun apologises for runners' abuse of cyclists
Runners taking part in the Swansea Bay Parkrun, in south Wales, are alleged to have used 'abusive language' against cyclists before 'barging' into a woman who was on her way to work on Saturday.
The organisers of the event, one of more than 1,300 free 5km runs held across the UK every Saturday, have now apologised and warned the bad behaviour 'puts our parkrun at risk'.
They said they were 'disappointed and despondent' after receiving multiple complaints.
In a statement on Facebook, the volunteers behind the event added that there had been a 'significant disregard of the shared path etiquette' during Saturday's event.
Path shared with other users
Parkrunners in Swansea set off from the city's Secret Bar and Kitchen at 9am every Saturday, running along the promenade towards Mumbles.
Parkrun does not hire the path and the organisers say they emphasise the need to share the path with other people out running, walking or cycling, both in the briefing before each run and in event details online.
The statement said: 'We are really sad to report that we have received several reports – from participants, from marshals and from two members of the public – about the conduct of a minority of participants.
'In particular, abusive language towards cyclists, barging of a female member of the public on her way to work and significant disregard of the shared path etiquette.
'The nature of each of these incidents is such that they have been logged and reported to parkrun HQ. It is likely that the complainants will take the matters up with both parkrun HQ and with Swansea council.'
Reports 'so upsetting'
The organisers said they were 'at a loss as to what more we can do or say to reinforce the need to 'share with care and kindness''.
They added: 'As event directors and run directors we are having to respond to, very understandably, disgruntled path users.
'We apologise to them, we explain what we do to try and ensure all path users are safe and can enjoy use of a community asset – what else can we do?! It is so upsetting to receive feedback and reports like we have today – today is the worst it has been ever.
'We are feeling really disappointed and despondent. Parkrun should be a joy, something positive, something inspirational, something inclusive.'
The organisers urged participants to 'share with care and kindness and encourage and support others to do so – or our event will be lost'.
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Parkrun apologises for runners' abuse of cyclists
Parkrun volunteers have apologised after participants hurled abuse at cyclists and barged pedestrians out the way. Runners taking part in the Swansea Bay Parkrun, in south Wales, are alleged to have used 'abusive language' against cyclists before 'barging' into a woman who was on her way to work on Saturday. The organisers of the event, one of more than 1,300 free 5km runs held across the UK every Saturday, have now apologised and warned the bad behaviour 'puts our parkrun at risk'. They said they were 'disappointed and despondent' after receiving multiple complaints. In a statement on Facebook, the volunteers behind the event added that there had been a 'significant disregard of the shared path etiquette' during Saturday's event. Path shared with other users Parkrunners in Swansea set off from the city's Secret Bar and Kitchen at 9am every Saturday, running along the promenade towards Mumbles. Parkrun does not hire the path and the organisers say they emphasise the need to share the path with other people out running, walking or cycling, both in the briefing before each run and in event details online. The statement said: 'We are really sad to report that we have received several reports – from participants, from marshals and from two members of the public – about the conduct of a minority of participants. 'In particular, abusive language towards cyclists, barging of a female member of the public on her way to work and significant disregard of the shared path etiquette. 'The nature of each of these incidents is such that they have been logged and reported to parkrun HQ. It is likely that the complainants will take the matters up with both parkrun HQ and with Swansea council.' Reports 'so upsetting' The organisers said they were 'at a loss as to what more we can do or say to reinforce the need to 'share with care and kindness''. They added: 'As event directors and run directors we are having to respond to, very understandably, disgruntled path users. 'We apologise to them, we explain what we do to try and ensure all path users are safe and can enjoy use of a community asset – what else can we do?! It is so upsetting to receive feedback and reports like we have today – today is the worst it has been ever. 'We are feeling really disappointed and despondent. Parkrun should be a joy, something positive, something inspirational, something inclusive.' The organisers urged participants to 'share with care and kindness and encourage and support others to do so – or our event will be lost'.
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