PRISONERS at a notorious jail are let out for “fun runs” with the public.
Lags banged up at Feltham Young Offender Institution enjoy parkrun events.
Pictures show inmates in high-vis vests standing beside members of the public with children at nearby Bedfont Lakes Country Park in Hounslow, West London.
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.”
Critics raised security fears over cons taking part in the 5k free runs — held every Saturday nationwide.
Public Safety Foundation founder Rory Geoghegan, said: “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.
“Prisons are first and foremost there to protect the public, so there are serious questions for the prison service to answer about releasing individuals to attend public events like this.”
The Ministry of Justice said fewer than five offenders take part, all thoroughly risk-assessed and supervised.
A prison inspectors report last month revealed Feltham YOI A, for inmates aged 15 to 18, has the worst violence rates in the country.
A Parkrun spokesman said: “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.
“Enabling those in custody to participate in parkrun events supports a culture of rehabilitation.”