U.K. Sports Minister Tracey Crouch and gold medal-winning runners "have joined thousands of the public in condemning a British council which has become the first in the world to charge for a weekly fun run," according to Lexi Finnigan of the London TELEGRAPH. Stoke Gifford Parish Council has recently paid £55,000 ($78,200) to resurface the car park, while the path "will soon need to be replaced" at a cost of £60,000 ($85,300). The council said that the fun run, "which has been taking place each week for three years," has led to "increased wear" and complaints from local residents. But more than 20,000 people have signed a Change.org petition against the council's decision to "charge parkrun to use the grounds." Crouch tweeted, "Completely agree with @parkrunUK. Decision by PC contrary to gov sports strategy & creates barrier to participation." Marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe tweeted, "Am totally against this short sighted decision. I fully support the right for this event for children to be free." She later clarified that the event, which is open to adults, children and dogs at most locations, should be "free for everyone, always." Council Chair Ernest Brown said, "The football club pay £60 ($85) to hire the pitch. We're not proposing to charge £60, no way, but at the same time, as an organization they should contribute towards the upkeep. That's the reason -- it is not to charge people for running. People can come to this park and we welcome it -- they can run any time they like." Parkrun has been given until May 28 to to apply for a grant, which the council has "offered to fill out" for it, Brown added (TELEGRAPH, 4/13).
