'Core team member' verbally abused following incident at Wolverhampton's East Park Run event - prompting 'gentle reminder'
A team of volunteers, who organise Wolverhampton's East Park Run, have issued a 'gentle reminder' after a 'core' member of their team was verbally abused.
The incident occurred at yesterday's (October 25) run after a concern was raised to a staff member who tried to defuse the situation.
Now, the organisers of the community event have issued a 'gentle reminder' to runners to treat their team members with respect and that they have rules to keep people safe.
Tim, the Event Director of the East Park Run said: "Due to an incident that occurred at this morning’s event, a member of the core team was verbally abused, concerning an issue that had been brought to their attention.
"This is a gentle reminder that any abuse is completely unacceptable, and that parkruns are community events which are only able to go ahead with the continued support of our wonderful volunteers.
"We all love parkrun, and we all want to enjoy it and take part in whichever form that takes. I recognise that some people may feel parkrun rules are strict, however, HQ put them in place to ensure the continued safety of everyone at an event. It is the job of the core team to ensure that these rules are adhered to.
"I would appreciate that everyone at East Park parkrun is treated with respect and kindness throughout."
Many runners were horrified by the news as they took to the comments on Facebook to share support for the volunteers. One user wrote: "So sorry to hear this, the East Park team are lovely. Parkrun wouldn’t happen without the kindness and generosity of volunteers...they should be appreciated, not abused."
Another added: "I've been to lots of parkruns and I don't think the rules are strict, can't see how anyone would struggle to follow them," while a third wrote: " That's shocking Tim I hope everyone at East Park parkrun is ok xx."
It comes after organisers of Telford Parkrun have issued a plea for kindness and consideration after reports of abusive behaviour at recent events.
In two social media posts shared after Parkruns at Telford Town Park held over the past two Saturdays, organisers have reminded participants that volunteers do their best to ensure that runners "don't collide" and that everyone is welcome - whether they choose to run, jog, or walk.
On October 11, event director Kim Fawke confirmed that organisers had been made aware of an incident on the course. She reminded participants that Parkrun is inclusive and that no form of abuse will be tolerated.
