Popular Conwy Parkrun is back but some runners are moaning about route changes
But it has been suspended for around four months while a major upgrade takes place on parts of the coastal path - aimed at increasing walking and cycling connectivity between Glan Conwy, and Conwy and Llandudno Junction.
This week the volunteer organisers announced the event will return on Saturday. While many welcomed the news of the return of the run and the social side around it there have been complaints over the new route.
Previously the event started and ended at RSPB Conwy - with runners doing loops across the Conwy embankment and up to Deganwy on the coastal path.
Now the route will start at the lower path on the Conwy cob with loops of the embankment, and a run to Deganwy and back, before ending at RSPB Conwy.
Under the new format all parking options will require a walk of around 10 minutes to the start and potentially further at the finish - with the options including Tesco in Llandudno Junction, Vicarage Gardens Pay and Display car park, Conwy, and Canolfan Fusnes Conwy Business Centre in Llandudno Junction.
The small band of core organisers explained that the change was made to future proof the event due to concerns that its growing popularity was causing over-spill issues at the RSPB car park and the potential for further growth would exacerbate this.
A statement from Rob Mackey, Regional Event Support Ambassador, North Wales, and Brian Corcoran - Event Support Ambassador, said: "Thank you all for your continued patience in this matter. We would personally like to extend a huge thank you to the Core Team of Bethan, Mark, Anna, Sharon and Richard. They have had to deal with very difficult demands that were no fault of their own (despite what you may have heard), and have been subjected to some very unnecessary and unpleasant personal attacks. I trust that you will all say a big thank you to them, when we finally return."
But there have been complaints on social media about the changes. One person said: "I'm having trouble getting my head around the latest debacle. The course was closed for six weeks, supposedly, while resurfacing work was carried out on part of the course. Job done and parkrun can resume! Wrong.
"Where did it go wrong? Why can't it resume as before? I liken it to someone having an operation to have corrective eye surgery only to find they had their foot amputated instead. Nothing about the changing of the course makes sense." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Another added: "Quiz question....why didn't these so called "problems" arise when Conwy parkrun returned following its covid hiatus? The whole situation has come across as farcical."
A third runner said: "So pleased it's back, but I absolutely cannot fathom the reason for the change in the course. Seems totally unnecessary, and with the nearest toilets not being anywhere near the start line (or the car park) seems a mess. But I know it's not your fault that you've been forced to change the course. I just can't understand how the new route has been approved compared to the old one."
One concern raised was the extra distance now between parking places and the start and finish. One person said: "This is so awful. The extra walk for many will make it impossible for many to participate especially, those with disabilities."
But many also came online to defend the organisers and the changes.
One participant said: "Thanks to all involved who have spent their free time around the table. Weighing up all the pros and cons, must of taken some sorting. Respect to you all and your positive judgements. Looking forward to participating on our new beginning."
Another added: "I am sad to read so many negative comments here when clearly this is out of the hands of the organisers and stewards etc that give up their time freely. They are doing their best and should be supported.
"If anyone is not happy then contact the relevant person in the organisation as this is demoralising to those people that work very hard on your behalf. It is what it is, support it if you can with a smile. If not, run elsewhere."
A Parkrun veteran added: "It's possible if everyone continues to complain, Conwy Parkrun will close again, everyone needs to adapt and accept, or go elsewhere, or start your own Parkrun, give up your free time and discover how difficult it is to set up an event.
"I've run at 35 different Parkruns locations all over the country and the world and some have no toilets nearby or lack of parking, and are quite difficult to get to, but none of the Parkrun routes cross a road. Conwy Parkrun, even with with the changes will still happen, but it might attract a different set of runners. It's a free event, run by volunteers that will have really struggled to even get the run to meet Parkrun HQ requirements. Good luck Conwy Parkrun and I hope runners that attend enjoy the run."
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