|
Jul 2023
10:18am, 7 Jul 2023
1,091 posts
|
The Mussile
They have had to admit that the parkrun OCD plonkers are becoming a problem. You don't NEED to run a certain event because its a certain number, you WANT to either because you can then brag about how much more you love parkrun than everyone else or peer pressure to fit in. I genuinely think those challenges are the worst thing that's happened to parkrun.
On a lighter note, We are off on our jolly to the Walnut Whip to continue our rivalry tomorrow
|
|
Jul 2023
10:20am, 7 Jul 2023
7,099 posts
|
Metro_Nome
There was an event which had its number 777 (a Nelson I think?) recently. they usually get around 500 runners. they got over 1000. I think that is likely to be related.
|
|
Jul 2023
10:26am, 7 Jul 2023
2,946 posts
|
paulcook
They have had to admit that the parkrun OCD plonkers are becoming a problem. You don't NEED to run a certain event because its a certain number, you WANT to either because you can then brag about how much more you love parkrun than everyone else or peer pressure to fit in. I genuinely think those challenges are the worst thing that's happened to parkrun. On a lighter note, We are off on our jolly to the Walnut Whip to continue our rivalry tomorrow
I remember a long time ago, parkrun made a thing of trying to get people to walk, run or cycle to parkrun. You can't stop people wanting to go to different parkruns or stopping parkrun tourism, but yes, I'd agree some of the challenges are against the principle of being friendly neighbours and sustainable.
Just my tuppenth worth
|
|
Jul 2023
11:02am, 7 Jul 2023
8,038 posts
|
Pothunter
For our 610 (Fibonacci) we had around 100 more than usual for the time of year. (296 against a peak of 190 in the 4 weeks before and after)
On the app I saw a note that said HQ would issue comms shortly. I also saw that the challenges were still actually visible but it may just take a little while to refresh (I’ve not looked at the app for a while)
|
|
Jul 2023
11:14am, 7 Jul 2023
200 posts
|
hellywobs
I have been thinking for a while that those challenges are getting out of hand - some events might have the volunteers (and course) to support high numbers, but many won't.
I also thought that the numbers at the Nordic countries specials got out of hand last month (600+ at an event that usually has about 20). Admittedly if you want to avoid a certain date, you can (I know the parkrun in Berlin cancels on marathon weekend to avoid high numbers) and Malmo cancelled that weekend; but if you cancel event 666, it just happens the following week instead.
If an event is too big it isn't just a burden on the volunteers, either - it also has a negative impact on the enjoyment of the participants as well. It's annoying enough when a local event is cancelled, albeit that numbers have been much more manageable since covid.
I saw a suggestion that the points challenge is brought back  I concur, it was a disincentive to parkrun tourism
|
|
Jul 2023
11:18am, 7 Jul 2023
8,040 posts
|
Pothunter
We’re due to have 666 on Christmas Day!
|
|
Jul 2023
7:32pm, 7 Jul 2023
13,258 posts
|
57.5 Degrees of Pain
On finish tokens at Fort William. Not disappointed to be avoiding the challenging course! It is touristing, but I was here for work anyway.
Think it's only my second voluntourism stint, mostly I've just helped out at my various home events.
|
|
Jul 2023
7:36pm, 7 Jul 2023
31,430 posts
|
HellsBells
VC and timing at Storeys Field
|
|
Jul 2023
7:18am, 8 Jul 2023
38,385 posts
|
Mrs Jigs (Luverlylegs)
Slight change of plan, we are now going to Philips Park parkrun today.
|
|
Jul 2023
12:31pm, 8 Jul 2023
1,606 posts
|
JenHB
Tail walked today - was also my 150th parkrun
|
