Discussion
From an Ambassador channel; more than 10% of reported incidents involve dogs and a disproportionally high percentage of serious incidents involve dogs running ahead rather than at the side of the handler. That's why it's been changed. I don't know if this will be in the official announcement
(For non Run Directors, when we process results we log incidents which gives HQ stats on problems and trigger course changes or refinements at individual events if it's recurring problem that can be solved)
I won't be surprised if one day all dogs are banned - it's on the agenda for our next Event Team meeting whether we ban them - each event can take that decision unilaterally. Not a problem at small events but when there are 500 runners it's always a bit dodgy for the first few hundred metres.
(For non Run Directors, when we process results we log incidents which gives HQ stats on problems and trigger course changes or refinements at individual events if it's recurring problem that can be solved)
I won't be surprised if one day all dogs are banned - it's on the agenda for our next Event Team meeting whether we ban them - each event can take that decision unilaterally. Not a problem at small events but when there are 500 runners it's always a bit dodgy for the first few hundred metres.
One of our local events has a rule that dogs and prams start at the back, it's usually pretty well behaved after that.
I find a lot of the near misses are due to people changing direction without a shoulder check though, maybe it's my bike licence training but I always do a lifesaver before I switch to the other side of the path
I find a lot of the near misses are due to people changing direction without a shoulder check though, maybe it's my bike licence training but I always do a lifesaver before I switch to the other side of the path
It’s the lack of shoulder check I notice mostly. Especially at corners where people take the racing line(car forum so have to get that line in) even when you’ve been over their shoulder for a little while. I think it’s lack of general awareness that causes most problems I’ve seen. My local has narrow sections and people still insist on running two/three abreast when not overtaking, they then meet the faster runners who don’t want to give an inch to the person they’re keeping pace with. I keep left now and take an easier pace. Or go to another event in a playing field as it has more space.
My 50th parkrun today.
My 50th parkrun today.
Great conditions today, cool but less wind than recently. Had a Pram-PB and wife had a course PB, which improved on her post-baby PB two weeks before.
Running with dogs just isn't appropriate at most the larger parkruns.
Starting at the back would mean both of us effectively walking the first 1-2k whilst negotiating slower runners/walkers.
Gilhooligan said:
The whole dog lead thing is pretty disappointing. No reasoning yet why they’ve suddenly decided canicross style waist leads are going to be banned.
Probably because people tend to ignore their dog when it's hands free and take less responsibility for it.Running with dogs just isn't appropriate at most the larger parkruns.
Alex@POD said:
One of our local events has a rule that dogs and prams start at the back, it's usually pretty well behaved after that.
I find a lot of the near misses are due to people changing direction without a shoulder check though, maybe it's my bike licence training but I always do a lifesaver before I switch to the other side of the path
Can't understand prams starting at the back. I'm top third with a pram on a course that requires me to walk a significant part as it leaves the pavement. A former colleague would routinely run sub-19 mins with a pram, often first finisher at his event.I find a lot of the near misses are due to people changing direction without a shoulder check though, maybe it's my bike licence training but I always do a lifesaver before I switch to the other side of the path
Starting at the back would mean both of us effectively walking the first 1-2k whilst negotiating slower runners/walkers.
Evanivitch said:
Can't understand prams starting at the back. I'm top third with a pram on a course that requires me to walk a significant part as it leaves the pavement. A former colleague would routinely run sub-19 mins with a pram, often first finisher at his event.
Starting at the back would mean both of us effectively walking the first 1-2k whilst negotiating slower runners/walkers.
Yeah, we used to have a regular sub 20 minute'er with a pram at my old parkrun. Similarly with dogs, we had one at about 22 minutes and one at 53 minutes today. I can see making them all start a the back causing more problems as they try to pass everyone. But we're currently a small parkrun with a wide path so plenty of space.Starting at the back would mean both of us effectively walking the first 1-2k whilst negotiating slower runners/walkers.
Evanivitch said:
Can't understand prams starting at the back. I'm top third with a pram on a course that requires me to walk a significant part as it leaves the pavement. A former colleague would routinely run sub-19 mins with a pram, often first finisher at his event.
Starting at the back would mean both of us effectively walking the first 1-2k whilst negotiating slower runners/walkers.
The course is narrow, and they've had 500 runners before, so it can be mayhem with a pram in the mix. If people could get themselves to the right place for their pace at the start, it would be OK, but we all know that won't happen!Starting at the back would mean both of us effectively walking the first 1-2k whilst negotiating slower runners/walkers.
hyphen said:
Should ban dogs altogether! Unnecessary risk.
Alex@POD said:
The course is narrow, and they've had 500 runners before, so it can be mayhem with a pram in the mix. If people could get themselves to the right place for their pace at the start, it would be OK, but we all know that won't happen!
I agree it should be a course by course decision. Fortunately my local is wide enough to accommodate me.Wifey and I are going to keep an eye on the forecasts the next month. If weather is kind and winds calm then we'll head out to a flat course looking for PBs.
Master Bean said:
Don't mention dogs. I mentioned it once and I think I got away with it.
I run with my young Lab with a much maligned waist belt. At the start, when crowded with other runners, when overtaking people, when there are other park users, other dogs in the park, when being overtaken, I pull her close to me in order to minimise our "footprint" and to minimise inconvenience. It pains me to see other dogs on massive long leads leaping about with little control by the owner.In some ways it would clearer for everyone, especially event teams, to cancel dogs in order to prevent arguments over the minutiae of dog leads. But then where do you stop, buggies, headphones, three/four/five-abreast. Essentially "don't be a dick" should be the mantra.
downthepub said:
I run with my young Lab with a much maligned waist belt. At the start, when crowded with other runners, when overtaking people, when there are other park users, other dogs in the park, when being overtaken, I pull her close to me in order to minimise our "footprint" and to minimise inconvenience. It pains me to see other dogs on massive long leads leaping about with little control by the owner.
In some ways it would clearer for everyone, especially event teams, to cancel dogs in order to prevent arguments over the minutiae of dog leads. But then where do you stop, buggies, headphones, three/four/five-abreast. Essentially "don't be a dick" should be the mantra.
"Don't be a dick" should be a mantra for most walks of life...In some ways it would clearer for everyone, especially event teams, to cancel dogs in order to prevent arguments over the minutiae of dog leads. But then where do you stop, buggies, headphones, three/four/five-abreast. Essentially "don't be a dick" should be the mantra.
I can understand the dog discussion on banning, but I think it'd be a shame, it's down to owner's competency. Owners with dogs overtake me all the time, if a dog was to get under me it'd be squished flat, but all the ones I've seen have been good owners. Made some friends too.
Starting at the back maybe a good idea. Runners at whatever level should be able to start wherever they like, but if you're deciding to bring an accoutrement like a pet or a pram, then you'll have to make allowances, I'm slow, but if I want a good time I'll be at the front, I get overtaken by people pushing prams. If you're quick then you're quick enough to overtake. I'm slow enough not to cause inconvenience at turning but I do try and do the shoulder thing if I see a need ahead.
Working towards my 250 and 50.
Starting at the back maybe a good idea. Runners at whatever level should be able to start wherever they like, but if you're deciding to bring an accoutrement like a pet or a pram, then you'll have to make allowances, I'm slow, but if I want a good time I'll be at the front, I get overtaken by people pushing prams. If you're quick then you're quick enough to overtake. I'm slow enough not to cause inconvenience at turning but I do try and do the shoulder thing if I see a need ahead.
Working towards my 250 and 50.
No issues with dogs that I've seen at my local park run, did see a fairly amusing incident on YouTube there though where a Marshal seemed determined to be caught up in a lead ~40 secs in https://youtu.be/xMFn-IaSF0s
Edited by GregK2 on Sunday 27th February 08:00
lockhart flawse said:
Did my first Park Run on Saturday in Northallerton. Age 64 and 36.10 which I was reasonably happy with. I did the whole thing at the same pace without stopping and it was the furthest I have run since I did a 10k in 2003.
Really enjoyed it and hope to gradually improve my times over the year.
Time down to 31.58 yesterday. Knackered though.Really enjoyed it and hope to gradually improve my times over the year.
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