A young offenders institute offering its inmates the chance to participate in running clubs with members of the public has sparked fury from campaigners.
Inmates at Feltham Young Offenders Institution in south-west London, for inmates aged 15 to 18, have been taking part in the run clubs as part of a scheme to reintegrate them back into the community.
The event, held every Saturday in Bedfont Lakes Country Park in Hounslow, is one of 797 runs held at locations across the UK. The organization also operates in 22 countries across five continents.
Feltham tweeted: “Over the past few months our young adults have been participating in @parkrunUK whilst on release on temporary licence, improving their times.
“They've enjoyed the positive initiative which has given them skills in time-keeping, accountability & being part of the community.”
However, several critics have raised security concerns over the inmates taking part in the runs held every Saturday morning in public parks.
Public Safety Foundation founder Rory Geoghan told The Sun: “When criminals receive a prison sentence, the public expectation is that they will serve their sentence behind bars and not be released to do fun runs with members of the public.”
Mr. Geoghan believes there are “serious questions for the prison service to answer” about letting convicted criminals take part in the events while serving their sentence.
A spokesperson for Parkrun, a not-for-profit organization founded in 2004, has said that they believe “the benefits of participating in Parkrun for those in custody are wide-ranging.
“They include improved mental, physical and social health, increased sense of purpose, the fostering of positive relationships and skills development.” Adding that the inmate's participation “supports a culture of rehabilitation.”
Pictures show the inmates clad in high visibility vests and running with the members of the public, including children.
Currently, only five offenders have taken part with The Ministry of Justice assuring critics that all offenders taking part are thoroughly risk-assessed and supervised at all times.