30 April 2010

runbritain,  the partnership that oversees road running in the UK, today confirmed that the UK-wide series of parkrun events will continue to be affiliated, licensed and insured under  UKA’s £50m master insurance policy.

parkrun, the weekly 5k timed free runs, are open to all ages and abilities and are operated across the UK. Runbritain MD Geoff Wightman said: “We admire the steps that parkrun is taking to draw a completely new kind of runner into our sport in a simple and safe format.  Ultimately, by broadening the sport’s entry level participation base, all events and club membership will benefit.

“We have consulted our insurance brokers around the safety and standards measures that parkrun applies to its runs and, as these continue to be rolled out uniformly during expansion, UKA’s licence and insurance cover will continue to protect parkrun.”

parkrun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt said “We are delighted to continue to work in this way with runbritain. parkrun is expanding rapidly and that will continue. It is good to have the reassurance of this insurance policy for runners. It has a claims history going back more than 15 years which is very reassuring for any organiser. We want the best for our participants.”

 During March, runbritain has also extended its support for the recently constituted Association of UK Course Measurers. The group, previously working across the country more informally, has received runbritain investment for its 2010 equipment purchases.

 AUKCM’s Mike Sandford commented “ We are grateful for the ongoing support from runbritain. We look forward to a continued strong relationship which enables us offer our services to road runners, and to help increase the number of road races which have a current measurement certificate.

“As always, we are on the lookout for new recruits throughout the UK to train up in the skills of course measurement. In particular we are planning a one day practical course in the summer to qualify more measurers in readiness for some runBritain pilot schemes in the South West and South Wales later this year."

Anyone wishing to sign up for this free one day course should register their interest with jtemperton@uka.org.uk or with Phil Holland, secretary@aukcm.org.uk