parkrun is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for its entire community; this includes all runners/ walkers, volunteers, staff, and spectators. Stalking, harassment, intimidation, unwanted attention, and any behaviours that cause another person to feel unsafe are incompatible with parkrun's values and will not be tolerated. parkrun will always endeavour to work with local law enforcement to ensure everyone can enjoy parkrun free from fear and harm or potential harm.
This is a global policy and applies to all parkrun events and activities.
Definitions
Harassment Harassment includes any unwanted conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating a person's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. It can take place online or offline.
Examples include:
- Repeated unwanted comments, messages, or approaches.
- Sexual harassment, including unwelcome sexual advances or remarks.
- Offensive, abusive, or discriminatory language.
- Intimidation, threats, or coercive behaviour.
- Persistent attempts to engage with someone after they have indicated they do not wish to engage.
Stalking
Stalking is a pattern of fixated, obsessive, unwanted, repeated behaviour directed at a person that causes that person fear, distress, alarm, or concern for their safety. It can take place online or offline.
Examples include:
- Repeatedly following, monitoring, or waiting for someone at events.
- Persistently contacting someone despite requests to stop.
- Tracking a person's attendance, movements, or personal information.
- Using social media or other means to monitor or pursue unwanted contact.
- Encouraging others to contact, watch, or approach a person on one's behalf.
Expected standards of behaviour
All members of the parkrun community are expected to:
- Respect personal boundaries and privacy.
- Accept "no" as a complete answer.
- Cease contact immediately when requested.
- Treat others with courtesy and respect.
- Avoid behaviour that could reasonably be perceived as threatening, intimidating, or intrusive.
Reporting concerns
Anyone who experiences or witnesses stalking, harassment, or related misconduct is encouraged to report it as soon as possible. In the first instance, reports should be made to the Run Director or Event Director. Alternatively, reports can be made via safeguarding@parkrun.com.
Stalking and harassment may constitute a criminal offence. If you are the victim of stalking or harassment we would always encourage you to report directly to your local law enforcement agencies.
Reports will be treated seriously, sensitively, and as confidentially as circumstances permit.
Response and Investigation
Upon receiving a report, the parkrun safeguarding team will take the following steps:
- Assess immediate safeguarding risks.
- Gather information from relevant parties.
- Review available evidence as far as our resources allow.
- Liaise with safeguarding professionals or law enforcement where appropriate.
- Where relevant, hold a sanctions panel.