COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update: 14 April

In last week’s update we explained that parkrun staff would be directly contacting all parkrun event teams and volunteer ambassadors. I’m pleased to let you know that that process has begun, although with around 2,500 conversations to schedule it will likely take several weeks to complete.

Whilst no country in the world has yet navigated their way through the challenge of COVID-19, come out the other side, and gone back to normal, some countries that host parkrun events are beginning to announce plans for gradual removal of restrictions.

We are monitoring relevant country-specific guidance very closely and remain committed to re-opening parkrun events as soon as appropriate. As to when that might be however, I am afraid it’s extremely complex and at this time it’s not possible to predict whether that will be in a month or two, or not until 2021.

We are planning for all reasonable situations and would like to reassure you that we will be ready to go when the time comes. I’d also like to reiterate that all decisions regarding the re-opening of a parkrun territory will be taken centrally by the global team, with consideration given to local health advice, operational impacts, and the potential consequences for our volunteers and event teams.

At the moment all parkrun countries are officially closed until the end of April, however it is highly likely that they will also remain closed through May at a minimum. We will confirm that in next week’s update.

Thank you for your continued support. We will get through this, together.

Tom Williams

Chief Operating Officer

parkrun Global