It’s a windy Saturday morning, your face hurts. You'd rather've stayed in bed, but you forced yourself out for a morning amble with a coffee - always good to start the day with fresh air. As you pass through the gates of the recreation ground, you spot them: a sea of madly happy, Lycra-clad maniacs running, jogging, and power-walking their way to God knows where, God knows why.
Some look like they’ve stepped straight off the set of a Nike advert, others are wearing mismatched tracksuits from 1992. There’s cheering, clapping, and the kind of grins you’d expect from people who’ve just won the lottery. What is this madness? And, more importantly, should you be joining in?
Welcome to parkrun, your new favourite way to flex on your Strava followers. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a complete novice, or just someone looking for a reason to leave the house before midday, parkrun is the perfect excuse to get moving, meet people, and remind yourself that running can be fun. Yes, really.
What is parkrun? The origin story:
Parkrun began in 2004 with a single event at Bushy Park in London, organised by Paul Sinton-Hewitt. Back then, it was a small gathering of 13 runners and a few volunteers, but the idea of a free, weekly, timed run quickly caught on. Fast-forward to today, and parkrun has become a global phenomenon, with events taking place in over 20 countries.
It’s evolved from a niche community event into a worldwide movement, welcoming millions of runners, joggers, and walkers. Despite its growth, the ethos remains the same: accessibility, inclusivity, and community. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a first-timer, parkrun’s spirit of togetherness is what keeps people coming back.
What do you do at parkrun?
The clue’s in the name: you run. Or jog. Or walk. parkrun is a free, weekly 5k event that takes place in parks all over the world. It’s simple—you show up, listen to a quick briefing, and then follow a marked course until you reach the finish line.
Along the way, there’ll be volunteers cheering you on, and at the end, someone will scan your barcode to record your time. It’s not a race (though you can treat it like one if you’re feeling competitive), and everyone’s welcome, no matter their pace or fitness level.
Do you have to pay for parkruns?
Nope! Parkrun is 100% free. Forever. The whole thing runs on the goodwill of volunteers and the generosity of sponsors, so there’s no charge to take part. All you need to do is sign up online, print off your personal barcode, and you’re good to go. You won’t find many better bargains than that.
Why do people do parkrun?
Why wouldn’t you? It’s a brilliant way to get moving, spend time outdoors, and feel part of a community. For some, it’s about chasing PBs and getting faster; for others, it’s an excuse to socialise with friends or meet new people. And then there are those who just like the idea of starting their weekend with a bit of fresh air and exercise.
Whatever your motivation, there’s something special about joining hundreds of other people in a shared pursuit, even if your only goal is to make it to the finish without tripping over your shoelaces.
Do you just show up to parkrun?
Not quite. You’ll need to register online first, which only takes a few minutes. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll get a unique barcode that you’ll need to bring with you to every event. This lets parkrun record your time and add it to their database, so you can track your progress over weeks and months.
Forgot your barcode? You can still run, but your time won’t be recorded—so make it a habit to keep it in your pocket, your shoe, or stuck to your forehead.
Can you listen to music during parkrun?
Yes, but with a caveat. While music can be a great motivator for running, parkrun asks participants to keep the volume low or use bone-conduction headphones so you can stay aware of your surroundings. You’ll need to hear instructions from marshals and keep an ear out for faster runners coming up behind you. Plus, you’ll want to soak in the cheers from spectators—they’re far more energising than your playlist.
Can you walk in parkrun?
Absolutely. Walking is a big part of parkrun, and every event has a tail walker to ensure no one is left behind. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, easing into fitness, or just prefer a gentler pace, walking is just as celebrated as running. Some events even have a dedicated walking group, making it even more inclusive.
What's a good parkrun time?
The beauty of parkrun is that it’s not about how fast you go. For some super-duper shouldn't-really-be-here runners, 5k might take less than 20 minutes; for others, it might take over an hour. The average time tends to hover around 30-40 minutes, but the focus is on participation rather than speed. Whatever your pace, you’ll be cheered on just the same.
Are there junior parkruns for kids?
Heck to the yes there are junior parkruns! Kids of all ages and abilities are welcome, as well as parents, guardians, older siblings and the rest, so don't worry - nobody's going to make you throw your 6-year-old into the deep end by themself. Run, walk, or toddle with your little ones, and be assured that the friendly parkrun volunteers are there to help and egg you on. Take a look at their safeguarding hub for more information on staffing and safety.
Where can I find a parkrun?
Let's be frank: Google it. Or use whatever search engine floats your boat. Or, if you insist, use parkrun's own events map to find one near you. Wherever you are in the UK or Ireland (or quite a lot of Australia these days), you can be assured that there's a parkrun nearby, waiting for you bright and early this Saturday morning. Come along!
About the author
Milo Wilson physically cannot stop himself from running everywhere. Which is useful, because he can't drive. He joined LFTO in May 2023 and immediately began testing trail running shoes over the often-sloppy and cow-ridden Surrey hills. He's a big fan of carbon plates and fast shoes, and you'll more than likely catch him vasodilating during the pub crawl run at Love Trails.