Weymouth parkrun has been suspended for two weeks after a sharp rise in attendance and growing concerns about the safety of participants on narrow sections of the course.
The weekly 5km event at Lodmoor Country Park has regularly attracted more than 500 runners and walkers, with 590 people completing Saturday’s event. Organisers said the increase in numbers had been accompanied by a more worrying rise in reports of participants attempting to overtake in confined areas.
Some participants have reportedly been barged into or tripped when runners have tried to pass where there is insufficient space. The events scheduled for 22 and 29 August have therefore been cancelled, with organisers expecting the parkrun to return in September after additional signage has been installed.
The popularity of parkrun events is a major reason for the rapid growth in attendance. They offer a free, weekly, timed 5km event that people can complete at their own pace, whether running, jogging or walking. There is no requirement to be an experienced runner, while the friendly, community-focused atmosphere makes parkrun appealing to families, beginners and regular athletes alike.
For many participants, the appeal goes beyond the run itself. Parkruns provide a regular opportunity to exercise, meet other people and become part of a local community. Volunteers play a central role, helping to create an informal and welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to return each week.
In a statement on Facebook, Weymouth organisers said the suspension was necessary to ensure the event could continue safely.
“If we want to enjoy our parkrun in the future, we need to take action now,” they said.
Participants are asked each week to keep to the left-hand side of the path, particularly along the out-and-back section of the course. Organisers said most people follow the guidance, but reports of unsafe overtaking continue.
The team also highlighted the impact incidents have on volunteers, saying every report can result in “several hours of work” for the core organising team.
The suspension comes during a particularly successful period for Weymouth parkrun. On 1 August, 690 runners and walkers took part in the event’s 600th staging in the seaside town.
The temporary closure will give organisers time to introduce new signage and help manage the growing numbers. Meanwhile, participants can attend nearby parkruns at the Great Field in Poundbury, Dorchester, or Bridport FC’s St Mary’s Field.
