Runners angered by strict outdoor Covid restrictions held an alternative group run in Cardiff after Parkrun cancelled its popular weekly event.
Around 15 people took part in a 5k run through Bute Park on Saturday morning. The aim of the 'Not a Parkrun' event was to send a message to First Minister Mark Drakeford that "health and fitness is of paramount importance”, said organiser Andrew Fairclough.
Parkrun has cancelled its 5k runs in Wales because rules prevent gatherings of more than 50 people. Although the Welsh Government did not specifically ban Parkrun, organisers felt they could not ensure a limit of 50. Hundreds typically attend the Cardiff event.
Read more: All the answers Mark Drakeford gave about why restrictions are staying in Wales
Mr Fairclough, who has done the weekly Parkrun since 2017, said he does not understand why people can meet in pubs in Wales but not run together in large groups in the open air.
The 43-year-old from Pen-y-lan said: "I am asking Mark Drakeford to give us some evidence. People want some understanding. He says he hasn't banned Parkrun but that just demonstrates the disconnect. It's a community where 600 to 700 people turn up each week in Cardiff. It drives home to me that he doesn't understand what Parkrun is."
The Not a Parkrun event at 9am on Saturday covered the same course as the official Parkrun. Mr Fairclough said if more than 50 people turned up he would have split the runners into groups to avoid breaking the law.
"I am a law-abiding person," he said. "The intention is definitely not to rebel in any way. It's to highlight the importance of group exercise."
The dad-of-two, who works in the pharmaceutical industry, added: “I believe fundamentally the restrictions around sport are wrong.
"Throughout the pandemic I believe, from what we have been told about coronavirus, that the implications, in terms of outcomes, are better for people who are fitter and healthier."
Among those who attended Not a Parkrun was Dave Cobner, former director of sport for Cardiff Metropolitan University. The retiree, 67, said there was "no logic" to the restrictions on sport.
"Across the border in England today there'll be thousands of people turning up to sporting events, sitting side by side," he said. "Exercise in the open air is one of the best things for your mental health, physical health and general wellbeing. I'm very supportive of the cause."
One of the runners, James, added: "I think it's a bit crazy really. We're out with loads of distance between each group [of runners]. There's no reason we can't all be outside getting our exercise in."
Another runner, Christy, said: "I agree with most of [the Welsh Government's restrictions]. But I think with things like Parkrun, where everyone's outside and everyone's distancing while they're running, I think it's a shame and it will affect a lot of people's health."
Mr Fairclough plans to continue Not a Parkrun each Saturday while the restrictions are in place. He has invited Mr Drakeford to attend to see the benefits of the event.
In a statement on December 22, Parkrun said: “The evidence remains clear that the infection risks presented by outdoor events like ours are exceptionally low and the public health benefits of remaining open are incredibly high. It is our intention, therefore, that whatever Parkrun events are legally permitted to operate they should do so.
“The Welsh Government has also announced a gathering limit of 50 people. It does mean that we have no choice but to suspend all our 5k events from 1 January onwards. We know that some Welsh Parkrun events regularly have fewer than 50 people attending. However, it would take a very small influx for them to exceed the limit.”
UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid posted a tweet criticising the Welsh Government's stance: "Parkrun has helped so many people improve their health across the UK. I can't see how restricting outdoor exercise in this way is justified or proportionate."
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Nothing is banned, but Parkrun have taken the decision to cancel adult events in Wales as a precautionary measure, but are still running the junior meets here.
“The Welsh Government has been liaising closely with the organisers in Wales to explore how parkrun can be adapted to operate within the maximum 50 people allowed to participate in events outdoors.
“Unfortunately, as a global initiative Parkrun has been unable to adapt their model for one country and has thus taken the decision to temporarily cancel adult events here.”
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