Conwy Parkrun plans to re-start next week despite row over new course, plus the start and finish areas.

By Don Hale don hale blog July 12, 2025

Conwy Parkrun plans to re-start next week despite row over new course, plus the start/finish areas...

Report by Don Hale.

https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com

www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk

Conwy parkrun has been given the go-ahead to finally re-start next Saturday following many weeks of controversy and harsh criticism by volunteers, sponsors, runners and supporters, over plans to change the existing start and finish areas, and alterations to car parking facilities.

In 2019, Conwy Parkrun received tens of thousands of public votes and was elected as runner up in the global World Cup competition of parkruns, due to their friendliness, and for its picturesque 5k riverside course.

This popular parkrun though has been out of action since last March mainly due to an extensive 12-week multi-million-pound renovation and upgrading scheme, which included essential work to the latter part of the new national cycle route from the railway bridge to the RSPB nature reserve, which is part of the current start/finish area for the Conwy event.

However, just as the volunteers were about to re-start more than six weeks ago, Welsh parkrun officials suddenly intervened without any prior warning and suspended the event, raising alleged concerns about parking issues at the entrance to the site, and introduced controversial proposals to start on the Cob, which is about half a mile away from the start.

The plans caused uproar, confusion and chaos, with several hundred complaints, and volunteers objecting to a serious lack of communication, and stating that as Conwy had been operating well for over 10-years, there was no need to change anything.

They also believed that the RSPB site was a perfect location with adequate parking, toilets, a cafe and a large nature reserve, which was ideal for all the family, whilst the Cob posed a potentially hazardous and time-consuming walk from the overspill car park at Tesco.

*Pictured above - the friendly cafe at the RSPB site and (*below) the modern toilets.

More construction work on Conwy parkrun course from September onwards...

Although approval was eventually granted to re-start Conwy parkrun asap, a further spanner in the works was noted this week when Sustrans announced details of extensive works to another part of the parkrun course from the Deganwy Quay crossing towards Conwy, which could mean a further closure of about 12-16 weeks from September onwards. This particular section is badly potholed and lacks adequate drainage with flooding problems throughout the winter.

Bitter row over communications and proposed changes.

The Welsh parkrun officials, Chris Davies, the Welsh parkrun organiser, Rob Mackey, Regional Event Support Ambassador for North Wales, and Brian Corcoran, the Event Support Ambassador, together with Conwy Run Director Mark Jessett, all later became embroiled in a bitter row with the Conwy core team of volunteers, who objected to any changes to the existing course, a proposed new start, and to any updates to the present car parking arrangements.

The debates and claims of false and/or misleading statements posted on their Conwy parkrun website about a new course and confusion as to whether the parkrun course will start and finish on the Cob, or finish as before at the RSPB site, plus other potentially serious issues, has only added fuel to the fire.

And it was due to apparent lack of communication that the volunteers established a SAVE CONWY parkrun group, including most of the regular volunteers, marshals and respected MC John Hatton.

This group raised a series of important objections and safety warnings about the proposals, to each of the officials, but later opted to take their concerns to Parkrun HQ, due to alleged hostility and a lack of any worthwhile debate and/or response.

John Hatton, (*pictured above right), the Conwy parkrun MC, said when he heard the plans: “A very SAD day after 10 years of trouble-free Conwy Parkruns and we are still kept in the dark on what is happening. Also 10 years of 100% support from RSPB, with use of their car park, toilets and cafe. It helped to create a good Parkrun community. It will never be the same.”

* A Birds Eye view (*above) of the Conwy RSPB site at Conwy, and (*below), some members of the SAVE CONWY Parkrun group.

Intervention by the Parkrun Headquarters CEO.

The interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Parkrun HQ, Elizabeth Duggan finally took over supervision of all the review plans for Conwy parkrun a few weeks ago and confirmed today: “You can tell your network that the event will be restarting next Saturday 19th July.”

She added: “Parkrun prides itself on its event delivery model, we have almost 2,800 events taking place globally every weekend. The safety of our participants and our volunteers, as well as our relationship with landowners and other stakeholders, are of the utmost priority.

“These have been the drivers for us to review the Conwy parkrun course. We have consulted locally, undertaken robust risk assessments, and drawn upon the vast event delivery experience we hold.

“We also really value the input given, and it has been very helpful to check and challenge our thinking and, building on this, we ask that you trust our experience in parkrun event delivery to know we have made a considered decision on the course changes and car parking.

“The changes to the route, and other important information will be reflected on the Conwy course page here from Monday 14th July with a view to restarting on Saturday 19th July 2025.

“We appreciate you highlighting how important it will be to effectively communicate this. The website will be updated with information to reflect the new parking and start/finish arrangements, and this will be communicated via social media and news pages prior to the restart. We would welcome your local influence to help us communicate these changes effectively.

“I will send over the link as soon as it has been updated on Monday morning and you can tell your network that the event will be restarting next Saturday 19th July.

“Parkrun was established to bring communities together and we hope that we can all get behind these route changes. I hope to get to Conwy parkrun at some point soon.”

Chris Davies, the Welsh parkrun organiser added: “We have worked hard behind the scenes to find a possible solution which would allow the restart of Conwy parkrun, and which would reunite the volunteers.”

In response, the Save Conwy Parkrun team said: “It looks like they have already made up. their minds and have not considered the feelings of the volunteers who stand there in rain or shine every week; and why wait till Monday to confirm what the new course will be, and where is the new start and finish? It’s been like dealing with the secret service!

“Our valid objections seemed to have been ignored yet again, and as they have not communicated or asked the volunteers about any of this. Many of them might not want to become involved again, as everyone is so angry about the way we have all been treated.”

NOTE: At the time of writing the precise course details, including confirmation of a proposed new start/finish area had not been revealed and apparently will remain secret until next Monday.

This is a link to my previous blog articles about the Conwy parkrun row:

Don Hale Blog: Conwy parkrun under threat due to new proposals - ... https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2025/06/conwy-parkrun-under-threat-due-to-new.html?spref=tw

LETTERS TO THE BLOG EDITOR:

These are just a few of the complaints and comments received from volunteers, runners, walkers, supporters, etc, who have been demanding to know what’s happening at Conwy parkrun for the past few months:

Martin Green: So, something that has worked smoothly for years is now suddenly unworkable! Here’s my reply to what’s going on, I saw the condescending email that Parkrun HQ sent to John Hatton, it’s made me really angry.

As always, it’s the bureaucrats in suits thinking they know best. Conwy parkrun, thanks to the volunteers runs like clockwork every week. They are the ones who stand in all weathers for zero recompense and often little thanks.

I am often one of the latecomers and arrive once the car park is full. Not once have I been directed anywhere there is simply a volunteer holding a “car park full” sign, being an adult and having passed a pretty intense driving test I am able to drive past on my own intuition and find somewhere else to park. It’s really not rocket science.

As usual it’s someone who thinks they know best making decisions from afar for the detriment of the event. I have been to numerous parkruns around the country which have way less parking if any, does that mean they have to change too or is this just a convenient time to make these changes to us.

The Senedd have spent hundreds of thousands of pounds of our money on active travel routes which are now deemed unsafe (Tesco/Cineworld to the start/finish of Conwy parkrun) this decision from Parkrun is insinuating that it is not safe which in all honesty baffles me. These things aren’t just plucked from the sky there are many risk assessments carried out so it is clearly as safe as can be.

Common sense won’t prevail it’s common knowledge how Parkrun HQ operate, it’s their way or the highway. It’s almost petulant the way they say it’s our ball if you don’t play to our rules we’re taking it home. I hope we can get back to as close to normal as possible.

Reply from Ten Cn: Bloody HQ. The suits at head office are out of touch with the runners/walkers/volunteers/spectators on the ground.

Andrew Brazier: What information is head office using to make this decision? On paper it may look like the roundabout is high hazard, but most traffic leaving the A55 is heading towards Tesco, and so the lane to the car park is very quiet. We must be able to report that it has never caused any issues.

Simon Bonfield: All I can say is I feel really sorry for a great bunch of volunteers, who not only give up their time every Saturday, but are now having to use yet more of their own time trying to navigate the red tape from HQ. Good luck guys and I really hope you get it going again. In the meantime, there is a cowbell wielding loon ready to welcome you at Nova Prestatyn until you get back on your feet.

Rob Stewart: Are parkrun HQ saying drivers are unable to drive safely to Tesco or runners and incapable of walking back from Tesco along the cycle route that all this work has been about! Safe enough for cyclists!

Keith Chamberlain: Regarding comments about RSPB car park being too small to small to support Conwy Parkrun (c.300 participants) how big is the car park at Parkrun’s Birthplace Bushy Park (c. 900 participants?)
According to information received from Conwy runners who have visited Bushy Park the answer is street parking only available. Should Bushy Park be closed because their car park isn’t big enough?
Conwy Park run has been operating without any incidents for 10 years why are volunteers managing car parking & advising how to get to alternative parking suddenly a hazard when Parkrun website has recently carried requests for volunteers to carry out these duties at other Venues?

Kevin Edge: Very well-reasoned response. The proposed arrangements are not practical at all. I still can't see where people are supposed to park. Parkrun is supposed to be inclusive and adding extra distance to the start and potentially even more after the finish, and for spectators and supporter discourages participants. The previous arrangements could be improved slightly and work really well.

Tony Parvin: While marshalling at another parkrun, one of the timekeepers was immobile due to a leg injury and was sat down during the run. If the start/finish lines are half a mile apart this is going to exclude people in this situation from performing this role in future.

If the proposed new start and finish lines are half a mile apart the timekeepers may not have arrived back at the finish line by the time the fastest runners have finished!

Elwyn Andrew: Thanks for everything you’re doing to bring back such a well-loved local event despite all the various challenges. Really appreciate all your efforts.

David Hughes: Can we not ask to use Lidl car park and use the underpass to the start? Using the newly laid path to the start some use the RSPB, and some use the Lidl car park?

Harri Jackson: Everyone will use the RSPB car park anyway. What a joke!

Elwyn Evans: Agreed with your comments here. I can't fathom why the proposed change to the route is preferable in Parkrun HQ's eyes to the previous course. I walk to the start personally, but I've never encountered any issues with traffic or dangerous driving from people attempting to park. I bring my son in the pram to Conwy Parkrun too and I wouldn't have done so had I not felt safe walking there. I can only assume RSPB have asked runners not to use the car park but that shouldn't be a factor in changing the start location. Toilets near the start line are a must and having the finish so far away from the start will inevitably cause issues.

NOTE: Elwyn, this is not the fault of the RSPB at all. They have been genuinely supportive throughout the 10 years of success at Conwy.

Stephen Bozier: Good response from you Don Hale, it’s ridiculous to change the start and route when there hasn't been any problems previously. If it isn't broke don't fix it! It has worked so well for years and really hope it can resume ASAP.

Sandy Johnson: Noting the French ban on parkruns in the papers due to ‘health and safety’ issues, you wonder whether we dare step outside the front door, these days, for fear of accident or litigation!

Unknown: Thanks Conwy parkrun for doing all you can to try and get it back up and running!

Rhea Eris: I hope you get to Conwy parkrun to continue very soon. Visiting the junior parkrun team last year was such a pleasure and it seems yourselves are just as passionate. Thank you.

Kay Pitt: It would be great for the environment and help the parking situation if people could continue to car share like they have for visiting other parkruns. Thanks for all your efforts to restart!

Jan Sheel: We were in Deganwy last week and missed not doing your run. Hopefully we'll be over later in the year.

Shaun Mohan: Good luck to you all, ran the route last year when travelling from Chester. Lovely route.

Unknown: One of the good things about parkrun was that as an older runner you could try and be top of your age group. That has now been taken away. I will not be going to parkrun again.