Nestled in between Balham, Tooting and Streatham in South London, Tooting Common is actually made up of both Tooting Bec Common and Tooting Graveney. Common land today is protected under the Commons Act 2006 but sadly this doesn’t allow the removal and planting over of Dr Johnson’s Avenue which could otherwise lead towards a more spacious course. Instead Tooting Common parkrun’s course is 3 laps in a section of Tooting Bec Common, partially along a busy road and then onto a very long narrow uneven path.
Already a very popular event today’s numbers were inflated with people still in the glow of their ‘get fit’ New Year’s resolutions. A large, young, and enthusiastic field all gathered for the Run Director’s introduction. We were reminded this London parkrun like all London parkruns is a run, not a race and then we were off, into a headwind.
Tooting Common parkrun is a much demanded event in a part of London bereft of parkruns. It was due to the high number of attendees to Tooting that Clapham Common parkrun was eventually given the go-ahead. Tooting still attracts over 600 participants. With no good rumours of an event opening on Streatham Common or Battersea Park this event is crippled by its own success.
Sadly as suspected the long narrow uneven path was not able to support the number and variety of participants. I saw one woman fall and my wife was elbowed by a faster runner causing her to fall. With over 350 parkruns under her belt at over 60 different events, my wife is a seasoned parkrunner, the fall was not her fault. She picked herself up to finish but was bruised and bloodied.
The day was compounded by a backing-up queue.
Once scanned we didn’t hang around.
That afternoon I sent in an incident report and received a warm acknowledging reply from Ken, the Co-Event Director. I hope they can find a solution to the course deficiencies there’s more than enough space in Tooting Bec Common and clearly the demand for the event is there and for more pakruns in London.
Parkrun can be a victim of its own success, such was the case in Little Stoke parkrun, in Bristol. Started on 03/11/12 with 111 participants, the event grew to 303 people taking part on 07/05/16 which was their last event. The decision to close the event followed Stoke Gifford Parish Council voting on 12/04/12 to charge people for attending parkrun;
I am grateful that Parkrun has stuck to its principles to make all events free.
Next week Stockley Country parkrun to reclaim my LonDone crown.
Lively informative review as ever. It really brings Parkruns alive
Gosh I’d never really thought of the possibility of this. Danger is not something I associate with Parkrun. As a walker at the back I don’t think I’m in any danger, well other than being lapped! Hope they do find a way to do it safely.