Little Stoke Parkrun: Petition against council decision to charge runners tops 54,000 signatures

Stoke Gifford Parish Council became the first in the world to charge Parkrun to use its grounds

The Little Stoke Parkrun has been holding weekly events for more than three years

An online petition against council plans to charge a popular ammeter running organisation for use of their park has exceeded 54,000 signatures.

A council near Bristol became the first in the world to charge Parkrun, a global organisation that arranges inclusive, free 5km runs in various parks, for use of its grounds.

Stoke Gifford Parish Council has asked the organisation to apply for a grant to cover "increased wear" in Little Stoke Park, saying it was “unfair” to expect non-running residents to pay for its upkeep.

The decision prompted an outcry from locals and led to the cancellation of a run organised for Saturday.

Organisers announced the cancellation of this week’s Little Stoke Run on Wednesday following it fears it “might be jeopardised by the volume of people wishing to run”, which “could easily exceed the safe limit of the park”.

Around 25 runners arrived at the park in protest on Saturday, although there were earlier fears hundreds of people would turn up.

Matt Hawkins, from Bradley Stoke, told the BBC: "I wanted to turn up today to show that the council isn't going to stop me running. Another said he would "definitely be here every week running".

Olympians Paula Radcliffe and Kelly Holmes, as well as Sports Minister Tracey Crouch and the London Marathon, have condemned the council's plan on Twitter.

European gold medallist and long distance runner Jo Pavey told ITV News the introduction of fees would “put up barriers for getting out there and enjoying the Parkrun and goes against the spirit of what Parkrun stands for”.

Organisers have said they intend to appeal the council's decision and are "investigating whether there is a legal basis to do so".

Tom Williams, chief operating officer for Parkrun, said: "By agreeing to a charge in relation to use of the land at Little Stoke Park we would be establishing a precedent that would put the future of Parkrun at risk."

Stoke Gifford Parish Council described Parkrun as an organisation with paid directors and staff - meaning it should contribute towards the park's upkeep.

"The parish council has only recently paid out £55,000 from public funds for resurfacing the car park and with the additional 300-plus runners per week, will shortly need to replace/repair the path at an estimated cost of £60,000, so as Parkrun are significant users of the path on a regular basis they should contribute towards the upkeep," it said.

Parkrun has been given until May 28 to apply for a grant, which the council has offered to fill out for them, he said.

Additional reporting by Press Association