Parkrun bans waist harnesses for safety

Parkrun has changed its rules on how runners are allowed to participate with dogs in a bid to improve safety.

The organisation used to allow one dog per participant, kept under firm control on a short lead, or a harness with a short lead. However, to address a growing issue – more than 10% of incidents at its events involve dogs – this is changing to one dog on a short, handheld, non-extendable lead by the side of the participant.

Parkrun said: “Our evidence shows that, when participants use waist harnesses, there is an increased risk of serious incidents, particularly trips and falls, compared to when using handheld leads. These are typically associated with dogs running in front of other participants, and are occuring when people are together in groups, when people with dogs are overtaking others, and when people with dogs are being overtaken.”

Parkrun added: “Unfortunately, the nature of parkrunning with a waist harness is such that the lead allows dogs to move from side to side, in front of the participant, which can result in the dog suddenly and unexpectedly crossing in front of other participants on the course.

“Absolutely, where local risk assessments and landowners allow, but we have to ensure we do so in a way that is safe for everyone.”

The new rules come into effect from 2 April 2022.