Parkrun celebrates 20th anniversary growing from 13 runners to millions
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This week marks the 20th anniversary of parkrun, and its founder emphasizes that the focus is on community, well-being, and joy, rather than on large crowds.
Parkrun began on October 2, 2004, when 13 runners took part in a free timed 5k event held in Bushy Park, located in south-west London. This initiative was set up by Paul Sinton-Hewitt as a way to stay active during his recovery from an injury.
It currently occurs every Saturday morning at over 2,500 sites in 22 different countries spanning six continents.
Every Saturday, about 200,000 individuals participate in events held at over 900 locations throughout the UK. Some of these participants are seasoned runners, while others are gradually improving their speed and endurance. Many are also beginning their journey towards a more active way of life.
Mr. Sinton-Hewitt, the founder, mentioned that parkrun focuses on bringing individuals from the same community together. He emphasized keeping participant numbers at a manageable size, allowing people to recognize others in their community and find individuals similar to themselves.
He mentioned, "Parkrun is a nonprofit organization. Its goal is to promote happiness and better health around the globe."
To create a healthier and happier world, we must ensure that our events are accessible to everyone. It’s essential to identify venues where these gatherings can take place.
The initial event was set up as a way to keep in touch with fellow runners when Mr. Sinton-Hewitt was unable to participate himself. Those bonds within the community remain a key factor in the event's expansion.
He drew inspiration from comparable experiences in South Africa, his hometown, where people would go for a run and then enjoy coffee together afterward.
Nearly 2,000 GP practices globally are partnered with community events, and social prescribing has recommended parkrun to individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, heart diseases, and cancer.
A recent study conducted by Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield, which involved 548 individuals who just started participating in parkrun, found that their overall happiness improved after completing just two parkruns.
Darren Wood has completed 913 parkruns, making him the most prolific participant in the event’s history. He mentioned that the sense of community fostered by these gatherings has become more meaningful to him than the act of running itself.
Similar to Mr. Sinton-Hewitt, he was part of the Ranelagh Harriers, a running club in south-west London. However, he skipped the initial event because he doubted his speed and felt he wasn't quick enough to participate in a time trial.
“In the beginning, I focused a lot on the running itself, but my perspective has shifted. Now, it's much more about being part of the community,” he explained.
"It's not just Saturday anymore; it's now 'parkrun day.' It's all about heading out to meet up with your parkrun community and enjoying time together."
Mr. Wood has faced challenges with his mental health previously and shared that during his toughest moments, parkrun provided a constant source of support in his life. Every Saturday morning, it was a welcoming environment where he felt accepted and free from judgment.
He now loves motivating others to become part of the parkrun community, saying, "You won't regret it—just go for it!"
"Give it a try at least once; it will completely transform your life. The hospitality of everyone is truly amazing."
"It doesn't matter if you’re quick or take your time. Just dive in and immerse yourself in that community; you'll encounter some of the best people around."
Parkruns take place in 25 correctional facilities and youth detention centers globally, positively impacting the lives of over 10,000 individuals in these institutions.
Mr. Sinton-Hewitt mentioned that referrals from general practitioners and prison parkruns play a crucial role in engaging individuals who don't currently participate in physical activities.
Nearly six million individuals have participated in a parkrun event at least once, over 900,000 have volunteered, and when taking into account the junior events, people have crossed parkrun finish lines over one hundred million times globally.
In 2014, Mr. Sinton-Hewitt received a CBE for his contributions to encouraging participation in community sports. Many individuals share how parkrun has had a transformative impact on their lives, yet he remains humble about his influence in this achievement.
