2024 marks 20 years of parkrun. Started bhy Paul Sinton-Hewitt, and his mates organising a time trial at their local park, Bushy Park in London. Since then, more than 2,200 parkruns have been set up in 23 countries around the world. It is an incredible phenomena. Here in Middlesbrough at Albert Park and Stewart Park around 500 people a week run, jog or walk 5km lapping their local green space every Saturday morning. Now there is also parkwalk, where people can start together with the runners and walk safely around the same course.
The idea was always for parkrun "to be a place for everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from. An opportunity for people to be active together, outdoors, and take part however they like."
It wouldn't be possible without thousands and thousands of volunteers. It is now prescribed by many medical practices as has been proven to be so good for mental wellbeing as well as physical fitness. Parkrun is a wonderful antidote to the loneliness many experience in modern inner city or indeed rural isolation. It can be the highpoint of the week and lynchpin for social networks. The after rum cup of tea can be as important socially as financially for the cafe owner. Although I would say this is one area that is still recovering after the pandemic.
20 years of parkrun and now parkwalk - a really important weekly event for the community and the individual. Every Saturday at 9am (9,30am Scotland) you will be close to the start line of a social gathering that brings people together.
The idea was always for parkrun "to be a place for everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from. An opportunity for people to be active together, outdoors, and take part however they like."
It wouldn't be possible without thousands and thousands of volunteers. It is now prescribed by many medical practices as has been proven to be so good for mental wellbeing as well as physical fitness. Parkrun is a wonderful antidote to the loneliness many experience in modern inner city or indeed rural isolation. It can be the highpoint of the week and lynchpin for social networks. The after rum cup of tea can be as important socially as financially for the cafe owner. Although I would say this is one area that is still recovering after the pandemic.
20 years of parkrun and now parkwalk - a really important weekly event for the community and the individual. Every Saturday at 9am (9,30am Scotland) you will be close to the start line of a social gathering that brings people together.