Parkrun Canceled as 30 Caravans Occupy Stoke Park Field

BREAKING: A popular Parkrun event has been canceled after an invasion of 30 caravans took over Stoke Park in Guildford. The encampment, established on August 12, 2023, has left runners and local residents in distress, as authorities struggle to manage the situation.

Residents woke up to find the large encampment on the 130-acre community field, prompting immediate concerns for the weekly Parkrun scheduled for Saturday, August 16. A Parkrun spokesperson stated, “Sadly we’ve had to cancel Saturday due to the large unauthorized encampment in Stoke Park. Please spread the word!” With no indication that the travelers will vacate soon, the future of upcoming events remains uncertain.

Surrey Police are actively monitoring the situation but have reported being powerless to evict the caravan owners. Officers visited the site shortly after the encampment’s arrival but determined that it did not meet the necessary criteria for police intervention under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. The police explained, “The powers available to manage unauthorized encampments are reliant on damage, disruption, or distress, which we currently do not see at this site.”

Images from the site show caravans parked haphazardly on playing fields, with goalposts visible in the background. Campers appear to be settling in for an extended stay, complete with generators and gas canisters. The local community now faces the challenge of dealing with the encampment as police continue to assess the situation.

Parkrun is a cherished free 5K community event taking place across the UK, with over 1,200 events held weekly. Founded in 2004 at Bushy Park, it has become a staple of British weekends, drawing runners and walkers alike. The cancellation of this week’s event not only disrupts the routine of many but also raises concerns about future gatherings in the popular park.

As the situation develops, residents and Parkrun enthusiasts are urged to stay updated. Surrey Police will continue to monitor the encampment and reassess their options if circumstances change. The community is encouraged to report any incidents or concerns related to the unauthorized encampment.

This situation highlights the complexities of managing unauthorized encampments in public spaces, where local authorities and police must balance community needs against legal constraints. For now, the focus remains on the welfare of the community and the hope that the situation resolves swiftly.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.