If you're new to running, meeting others you can run with and having a regular run planned into your week is a great way to stay motivated, make progress, and build a supportive community. And here in the UK, it doesn't get much better than Parkrun for an inclusive, beginner-friendly running community.
What is Parkrun?
Parkrun organises free, weekly, timed 5k runs in hundreds of parks across the UK every Saturday morning at 9am. The runs are open to everyone, free, and easy to take part in. They even have kid specific parkruns if you are looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday morning with your kids.
Parkrun started in 2004 with just 13 runners at Bushy Park in London. Today, it has grown to over 700 locations across the UK with an average of over 200,000 runners participating each week! There are Parkrun events in every corner of the country.
Why Parkrun is Great for Beginner Runners
The great thing about Parkrun for those new to running is how welcoming and unintimidating the events are. Runners of all paces and abilities participate, from speedy and experienced runners to those just starting out in their running journey.
Everyone is supportive and encouraging. There's no pressure around your pace or finishing time. It's your own run so you can walk, jog, run or do all three. Whatever you can and feel comfortable to do. Run it how you want to!
It's a great way to make running a regular habit by blocking off time each Saturday morning. Many people go for coffee with their fellow Parkrunners after each run, so it becomes a social event to look forward to each week.
There's even some runners out there that take their family and travel to other parks of the UK for weekends away. Just to tick off the list of Parkruns they have taken part in.
How to Get Started with Parkrun
Getting started with Parkrun is easy:
- Go to the Parkrun UK website
- Click "Register" in the top menu
- Fill in the simple registration form
- Print out your personal barcode (you need this to get your official time)
- Use the event map or postcode search to find your nearest Parkrun
- Show up on Saturday a bit before 9am wearing your barcode!
Once you're registered, you can participate in any Parkrun event anywhere in the world. There's nothing more to pay, no memberships or subscriptions required.
So if you're looking for an easy, commitment-free way to get into running with the support of a welcoming community, find your local Parkrun and give it a go this Saturday! It just might kickstart a rewarding new running hobby.
