I’ve been a runner on and off over the years, but never as seriously as in the last ten years. I used to run at school, and I especially remember running along the beach when I lived in Filey on the North Yorkshire coast. My decision to take it up again in 2013 was prompted by a desire to raise money for the Salvation Army’s Annual Appeal, as well as the need for a significant challenge to get fit.

So, not having run for many years, I entered the Middlesbrough 10K road race (that’s 6.2 miles). But, after my first training run round the block, I seriously wondered what I’d let myself in for. This was going to be a challenge in my late fifties. In the end though, I ran it twice with both times under an hour.

Now, in my late sixties, I don’t want my young children to see me as an old father, rather as a fit and active dad who’s fun to be with. So, I regularly run 5k parkruns, even if nowhere near my personal best of 25:03 set in 2014 when I was fifty-nine.

Advancing years are working against me, but I’ve currently got no plans to retire from running!

In recent years, the world has witnessed a significant surge in interest and participation in recreational running. Amidst this running boom, a unique and inclusive event called parkrun has gained immense popularity.

Spanning more than twenty countries, parkrun has transformed the way people engage with running, empowering individuals from all walks of life to experience the joy of running in community parks every weekend.

At its core, parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5k run organized by volunteers in local parks. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome, whether they’re seasoned runners, joggers, walkers, or even strollers with babies. The idea behind parkrun is to create a friendly and supportive environment that encourages physical activity and promotes well-being.

What started as a humble gathering of thirteen runners in Bushy Park, Teddington, UK, in October 2004 has transformed into a global phenomenon. Today, parkrun boasts over 2,000 registered events across 23 countries, with more than six million registered participants. It’s become a powerful catalyst in promoting physical fitness, social inclusivity, and community engagement around the world.

One of the key strengths of parkrun lies in its ability to bring people together. The events are designed to be accessible and welcoming to everyone, regardless of age, gender, socio-economic background, or fitness level. This inclusivity is further exemplified by the volunteer-driven nature of parkrun, as local communities come together to manage and organize each event. These dedicated volunteers play a crucial role in creating a warm and supportive atmosphere for participants, fostering a sense of belonging.

The impact of parkrun extends well beyond the physical exercise itself. Participants often report improved mental health, increased self-confidence, and enhanced social connections because of their involvement. The supportive environment of parkrun encourages many individuals who might have hesitated to participate in organized running events. parkrun provides a platform for personal achievements and mutual encouragement.

Regular participation in parkrun offers numerous health benefits. Engaging in physical activity such as running has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved cardiovascular health, strengthened bones, enhanced mental well-being, and a boosted immune system. parkrun enables individuals to integrate regular exercise into their weekly routine, contributing to a healthier lifestyle.

parkrun has grown into a global movement, uniting individuals through a shared passion for running, community, and well-being. It offers a unique space for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to come together, celebrate physical activity, and support each other on their fitness journeys.

The success and impact of parkrun lie in its remarkable ability to foster inclusivity, volunteerism, and a sense of belonging. As this global phenomenon continues to grow, it is certain to inspire and encourage even more people to lace up their running shoes and experience the true joy of parkrun.

Note: parkrun is never capitalised.