Parkrun

Parkrun is something that I feel needs its own page as it is so brilliant and every runner should be attending regularly.

What is it?
Parkrun is a free 5km timed run which takes place at 9am every Saturday

Where is it?
All over the country - check their website for your nearest location but I am almost certain there will be one within 5 miles of your home (providing you are in the UK)

How does it work?
You sign up online and are issued with a barcode (which you can print as often as you need to). Everyone starts at the same time but you line up roughly in order of ability. When you finish you will be given a token with your position on. There are several time keepers keeping note of the finishing times for each position. You then have your position token scanned and your personal barcode. This associates you with a finish position. Once everyone has finished the position times are then updated to the positions and therefore against your record. You will then get an email or text or both confirming your time, position and if you got a PB.

How is it free?
Sweatshop, Adidas and PruHealth sponsor Parkrun. Each event is staffed by volunteers. The volunteers do anything from scan barcodes, time keep, marshal (so you know where to go). There is also a lead bike and a tail runner – so no one gets left behind. Parkrun ask if you take part regularly that you volunteer a minimum of 3 times a year. I’ve done this several times and normally on the Saturday before a Sunday race.

Why I love Parkrun
For me 5km isn’t a big distance to run – before marathon training I would run between 5-10km several times a week but at my own pace. With Parkrun I feel the need to race and to beat last weeks’ time or my PB. So for me it is a fast run. But for others they lack the motivation to 5km on their own so it helps them complete the distance. Others can’t run 5km and alternate between running and walking. I love how versatile it is and fits to every ones needs and abilities. My heart also melts when I see children doing it or parents running with pushchairs.

If you are reading this I would suggest going along just once – even if just to watch or volunteer rather than run to see what it’s all about. I love the look of shock and enjoyment on other park users faces when they see 400+ runners all charging off at once. I put it off for almost a year but once I went along I was hooked and I am sure you will be too.

Parkrun have also started 2km children's Parkrun at various location in the UK if you have children under 16 and 5km is a bit too far for them or they just want to run with children - check the Parkrun website for more info.


Here's the all important link to get you going... Parkrun website