As parkrun prepares to change its rules for runners who participate with dogs, one owner is planning to set up an alternative event in protest.
From Saturday, April 2, parkrun will no longer allow runner to use a waist harneses when participating in the five-kilometre run with their dogs.
They state "clear evidence" shows an increased risk to people's safety when running alongside another participant with a dog, with some becoming tangled in or tripping over the dog's lead.
But Kevin Ward, 46, who runs at Kesgrave, in Suffolk, with his dog, Wilson, says his pet has become so wellknown people have begun cheering him on during their runs.
Disappointed by the new rules, Kevin is hoping to set up a similar event in Kesgrave, called Barkrun, where owners will be able to exercise their pets while using either a harness, short or long lead.
Under parkrun's new rules, dogs should be kept on a short, handheld, non-extendable lead by the side of the participant and should remain within reach at all time. Only one dog is allowed per participant and care must be taken to avoid tripping other parkrunners.
A statement from parkrun reads: "Over ten percent of incidents at parkrun events involve dogs, and as such we have spent significant time considering the nature, frequency, and severity of dog-related incidents.
"Our evidence shows that, when participants use waist harnesses, there is an increased risk of serious incidents, particularly trips and falls, compared to when using handheld leads.
"These are typically associated with dogs running in front of other participants, and are occurring when people are together in groups, when people with dogs are overtaking others, and when people with dogs are being overtaken.
"Unfortunately, the nature of parkrunning with a waist harness is such that the lead allows dogs to move from side to side, in front of the participant, which can result in the dog suddenly and unexpectedly crossing in front of other participants on the course."
Despite assuring runners dogs are still welcome at parkrun, members have taken to Facebook to vent their frustration at new rules.
One user said: "This is such a shame. It was great to get out and exercise my dog while I run.
"I feel it is much more unsafe to be running with a dog in a handheld lead, you can end up letting go of the lead or if you fall you have no hands to catch yourself.
"I also love the way having my dog open up conversations and connections with other runners and I won't be running with my dog on a handheld lead."
While another user added: "This country is not dog friendly! They aren’t welcome in lots of places. I thought parkrun was different but it following suit. Lots of dog haters on here that have no clue!"
The parkrun statement adds: "Since the earliest days of parkrun, we’ve openly welcomed people participating with their dogs.
"Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the founder of parkrun, would participate in the Bushy Park Time Trial with his, and we’ve always felt that it was not only something that emphasised the informal nature of our events, but provided an opportunity for dog owners to participate where they otherwise might be excluded.
"Over the last 17 years however, we have grown from a single event into a global movement, with hundreds of thousands of weekly participants, across 23 different countries.
"As such we continually review our processes in order to balance accessibility and inclusivity with the safety of our participants and other park users.
"Importantly, we remain of the belief that, overall, the benefits of allowing participation with dogs far outweigh the risks of doing so.
"Our commitment has always been, and always will be, to support participation with dogs wherever it is appropriate to do so."
Do you have a dog story to sell? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
