Suspension of events in Russia

Given the shocking situation in Ukraine and in light of the atrocities being committed there by Russia, we have decided to suspend the operation of all parkrun events in Russia, with immediate effect.

parkrun is a health and wellbeing charity - not a sporting organisation - with a mission to make the world healthier and happier, and so the decision to temporarily cancel events in Russia is not taken lightly.

We understand that in doing so, regrettably, we are removing the opportunity for ordinary Russian people to participate in our events. We know that these people are not responsible for their country’s invasion of another sovereign state.

However, we cannot ignore the fact that the war being waged in Ukraine by Russia is an act of devastating aggression toward innocent people that directly conflicts with our charitable objective of promoting health and happiness across the world.

Finally, it should be noted that we have a duty of care to our volunteers everywhere, including in Russia. They should not be put in a position in which they are forced to justify why parkrun events remain open or have to explain their personal politics in a country where that would put them at risk.

We hope that in taking this decision we help to highlight and reinforce the inhumane and unacceptable nature of this action by the Russian leadership.

Russ Jefferys, Chief Executive Officer

https://www.parkrun.com/blog/news/2022/03/01/suspension-of-events-in-russia/