Parkrun celebrates 20 years

Event has grown from 13 runners to cover 2,500 locations

- JABED AHMED

The 20th anniversary of parkrun is being celebrated this week with its founder saying the ethos is about community spirit, health and happiness rather than huge gatherings.

Parkrun started on 2 October 2004 when 13 runners joined a free timed 5k run in Bushy Park, southwest London, which was organised by runner Paul Sinton-Hewitt while he was recovering from injury. It now takes place every Saturday morning at more than 2,500 locations in 22 countries across six continents.

Around 200,000 people take part every Saturday across more than 900 places in the UK – and while some are experienced runners, others are building up their speed and stamina and many are taking their first steps towards a more active lifestyle.

Founder Mr Sinton-Hewitt said parkrun is about people in the same community gathering together, with numbers “at a reasonable level where you can identify other people in the community, you can identify people like you”.

He added: “Parkrun is a charity. The aim is to make the world happier and healthier. In order to make the world healthier and happier we need to bring our events to every single person. We need to find spaces to hold these events.”