Better Together

If the Idea of Running Is Daunting, Here’s an Ultra-inclusive Movement to Check Out, Where Everyone Is Welcome and You Set the Pace

- Erin Fisher

Whether you’re trying to get into running, a well-seasoned runner training for an event, or simply wanting to stay motivated, lacing up and getting out the door isn’t always easy, especially when you’re running on your own. It can be equally intimidating seeing how fast other people are running and the fancy gear they’re decked out in. Unless, that is, you’re at parkrun.

Founded by Paul Sinton-Hewitt in 2004, the concept of parkrun is simple – turn up each Saturday and walk, jog, or run 5km. That’s it. Your speed doesn’t matter, your running attire certainly doesn’t matter, and it’s totally free. They welcome all runners with open arms and as they say on their Instagram, “A 60-minute 5k is just as far as a 15-minute 5k.”

For Paul, the most important part is just to get people taking part, and his mission is to create a healthier, happier planet for everyone. Once you’ve registered online and have got your barcode, you’re able to attend parkrun wherever and whenever you want, which at the moment means you have more than 1600 parks worldwide to choose from.