A light dusting of snow and frost warnings across the U.K. led to the cancellation of over 60 parkrun events on Saturday. The free, weekly 5K runs, known for their inclusivity and community spirit, were called off due to what organizers deemed “unsafe running conditions.”
📢 Burgess parkrun is CANCELLED today – 11 January. 📢
It’s too icy to be safe for our runners, walkers and joggers, and too cold for our volunteers. Stay warm, everyone!#loveparkrun #BurgessFamily pic.twitter.com/cIIuaKCgR6
— Burgess parkrun (@burgessparkrun) January 11, 2025
“We regret to inform you that we have cancelled our Parkrun this morning, January 11, due to unsafe running conditions,” wrote the Victoria Dock parkrun team in London. “There are several icy patches, and the temperature is forecast to remain sub-zero until at least this afternoon.”
For some U.K. parkruns, this was the second consecutive week of cancellations owing to icy conditions. The reasoning behind cancellations varied, with some events humorously listing reasons like “best suited for penguins and ice skaters” or even “it’s too chilly to get out of bed.”
Parkrun, which started in the U.K., has since grown into a global phenomenon with over 2,200 locations worldwide.
While the Brits stayed home on the treadmill, Canadian counterparts braved far harsher conditions on Jan. 11. At River Valley parkrun in Edmonton, more than 50 runners turned up despite -3 C weather. Churchill Parkway parkrun in Winnipeg went ahead as planned in balmy -13 C temperatures. Even Toronto’s Downsview parkrun had 45 hardy participants show up after the city received 12 cm of snow overnight.
Winter running isn’t so bad if you dress appropriately and don’t push too far beyond your limits. So, come on, Brits—if Canadians can brave the snow, surely a little frost won’t stop you!
