Embrace the power of Parkrun!

It’s the pinnacle of the week. The icing on the cake. The cream of the crop.

On a long-awaited Friday evening, runners across the nation wolf down their carbs, dust off their trainers and get their barcodes at the ready. What time is it? Parkrun time!

So, I hear you ask, what is Parkrun? Parkrun is a free event which takes place on a Saturday morning at 9am: a community event designed to get locals more active, whether it’s running, jogging or walking. Every Saturday, over 350,000 people clad in hi-vis garments tromp the trails of their local parks in search of that Saturday morning buzz that fuels their weekend. It’s no longer known as Parkrun; it’s now Parkrun Day!

And I know. I’ve seen some of the most beautiful landscapes through Parkrun. Imagine running up a cliff edge as the water below beats the cliff wall at Penrose Parkrun in Cornwall.

Or embrace your inner Darcy at Lyme Park where the BBC’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ was filmed. From the flattest Parkrun in the UK, Hackney Marshes located in London, to the hilliest, Whinlatter Forest in Keswick, Parkrun’s illustrious variety of courses and terrains, means that every Parkrun up and down the country is unique and no Parkrun is ever the same. Paul Sinton-Hewitt hit a winner when he founded Parkrun at Bushy Park in 2004. Ingenious!

If running, jogging or walking around the 5K course isn’t really your style, try marshalling or volunteering at your local Parkrun. In my opinion, the enthusiasm of the volunteers not only makes these events possible but make it so enjoyable. Come rain or shine, thunderstorm or heatwave, the volunteers show up every single week with a smile etched across their faces. Infectious energy, cowbells and wacky dances, the marshals are the backbone of Parkrun. They can make your experience a lot more fun and give you the drive to make it to the top of the hill! Some marshals get their music on, dragging speakers up hills blaring out ‘The Final Countdown’; it’s always the best experience when the marshals bring their A-game to Parkrun and make it an unforgettable. What’s not to love about Parkrun?

Interested so far? Parkrun has many awards for milestones: an incentive if you like. Whether you’re completing your 10th, 25th, 100th or even 200th Parkrun, there’s a t-shirt just for you. Plus, some Parkrunners bring big balloons to commemorate special occasions such as birthdays, Parkrun milestones or even special events. Some events are fancy dress. Think Christmas! The brave and powerful embrace Parkrun on Christmas Day dressing up as reindeer, Santa Claus or Christmas trees. Moreover, celebrate the New Year with Parkrun on New Year’s Day. No matter the occasion; Parkrun’s got it sorted.

But that’s not all! If you’re aged 4 to 14, the Junior Parkrun on a Sunday morning is the perfect opportunity for children to embrace the power of Parkrun. With just a 2K route starting at 9 am, spark a love of running within your child. Parents, grandparents or even older siblings can get involved too, running the course with their child. Parkrun isn’t just for the elites; the mantra goes: ‘It’s a run, not a race!’

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up today at the Parkrun website and find your local Parkrun! No matter how fast or slow you are, embrace the power of Parkrun. Who knows, maybe you might just catch the running bug? #DFYB