Parkruns in Fulham and Shepherd's Set to Remain Free

---

Council reassures runners following outcry over charges imposed in Bristol

Hammersmith and Fulham Council has assured local people that it will not be following Stoke Gifford Parish Council and charging Parkrun to use the borough's parks.

There are two highly popular Parkruns in our borough on Wormwood Scrubs in Shepherd's Bush and Bishop's Park in Fulham and a spokesman has this week given them the council's support, saying simply: " We don't charge for people to do Parkun in Hammersmith and Fulham."

Nearly 20,000 people have now signed a petition after the Bristol council announced on Tuesday it would be the first in the world to charge a fee for use of its grounds.

Councillors there claimed it was "unfair" to expect non-running residents to pay for the upkeep of paths, and were in favour of charges for "wear and tear".

Hundreds take part in two free, timed runs organised by Parkrun UK in Little Stoke Park on Saturdays. Organisers said the decision meant the end of the event, prompting a huge outcry.

Parkrun, which aims to have an event in every community that wants one, says they are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.

In the last week it says, including junior parkruns,  86,779 people took part in parkruns around the country.

It has released statements saying it is intending to appeal Stoke Gifford's decision and investigating whether there is a legal basis to do so. You can read Parkrun's reactions in full here.

Meanwhile runners in our borough - and volunteers to help organise the events - are invited to join one of two weekly Parkruns.

The Fulham Palace Parkrun take place every Saturday at 9am in Bishop's Park.

The Wormwood Scrubs Parkrun also takes place every Saturday at 9am on Wormwood Scrubs.

For more details visit the Courses pages on their websites.