Forum hears worries over ‘inconsiderate’ runners

Elderly people claim to have been pushed aside during Parkruns

Elderly people and mothers with prams have complained of being brushed aside by inconsiderate joggers taking part in Ashford’s weekly Parkrun.

Concerns about joggers’ behaviour were raised by the mothers, who say some of those taking part in the event at Victoria Park have shown a lack of concern for others.

Parkrun was set up in October 2013 and has gone from strength to strength, with an average of more than 200 people now taking part in the run every Saturday.

But South Ashford Community Forum has reported problems as the event has grown, with large numbers of people driving to the race and some runners showing a lack of concern for the public.

According to forum minutes, mothers with prams and elderly people have been concerned, with one man reporting that he was worried his walking stick would be kicked away from him.

The minutes state: “Complaints continued to arise regarding the lack of consideration by some runners to other park users.

“Examples include mothers with pushchairs being forced off the path and older people worried that their walking stick would be kicked away from them.

“The situation may be aris- ing because of the growth of the event from 90 runners in 2013 to 250 runners in recent months.”

The Parkrun marked its 200th event earlier this month and is set for its fourth birthday celebration in October.

South Ashford Community Forum chairman Bob Shrubb says he has discussed the situation with volunteers and organisers. He said: “Our view is that it’s just getting too big with the numbers of people participating, it is getting to more than 200 on an average Saturday.”

Library image Runners taking part in a Parkrun in Ashford