The decision to ban mass outdoor group exercise events in Wales is unjustified and disproportionate, a UK minister has said.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said he “cannot see how restricting outdoor exercise is justified or proportionate” after Parkrun cancelled its running clubs in Wales because of the country’s coronavirus restrictions.
Mr Javid hit out as he tweeted a statement from Parkrun, which outlined how restrictions in the UK would affect events going forward.
The health secretary tweeted: “Parkrun has helped so many people improve their health across the UK. I can’t see how restricting outdoor exercise in this way is justified or proportionate.”
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have all introduced extra measures to fight the Omicron Covid variant but England is waiting until after New Year’s Eve.
Since 26 December, all outdoor gatherings of 50 or more adults have been prohibited in Wales. The rule has put a temporary stop to Welsh parkruns – free, weekly 5km runs that take place across the world every Saturday at 9am.
Junior parkruns, which are for children aged four to 14, can continue in Wales. All Parkruns can go ahead in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland as usual.
In a statement Parkrun said: “The evidence remains clear that the infection risks presented by outdoor events like ours are exceptionally low and the public health benefits of remaining open are incredibly high. It is our intention therefore that wherever parkrun events are legally permitted to operate they should do so.
“Whilst spectators are restricted at sporting events (in Wales), as we operate on public open land, and current guidelines allow up to 50 spectators at grass roots sporting events, we consider ourselves to comply with this aspect of the guidance.
“Unfortunately, the Welsh Government has also announced a gathering limit of 50 people, from 26 December onwards. Whilst this does not include children, and therefore does not impact junior parkrun, it does mean that we have no choice but to suspend all our 5k events from 1 January onwards.
“We know that some Welsh parkrun events regularly have fewer than 50 people attending, however it would take a very small influx (at what is typically a very busy time of year) for them to exceed the limit. Parkrun events. We will be applying cancellations to all Welsh 5k parkrun events from 1 January onwards.
“We understand that this news will be incredibly disappointing to many Welsh parkrunners, and we’d like to reassure you all that we will do everything we can to bring parkrun events back across Wales as soon as these restrictions are lifted.
“Thankfully, junior parkrun events are exempt from the 50-person gathering limit and so should go ahead as planned, and in the absence of further changes to regulations, continue as normal.”
Photo: Penrhyn Parkrun, Bangor
