Parkrun, the popular weekly 5k event, is celebrating its 20th birthday this weekend. Founded by Paul Sinton-Hewitt and a small group of friends in London two decades ago, Parkrun has now grown to take place in 23 countries with 10 million registered runners. The event is free to attend, organised by volunteers, and open to all.
The first Scottish Parkrun took place in December 2008 at Pollok Country Park, where the 20th birthday celebration will be held on October 5. Liz Corbett, the Scottish coordinator for Parkrun and co-event director for the Pollok branch, has been involved since 2009. She describes Parkrun as “an amazing force for good” and emphasizes the sense of community and camaraderie the event brings.
According to Liz, Parkrun is not just about exercise but also about socializing and enjoying the outdoors. Participants of all ages, shapes, and sizes come together to run, walk, or volunteer at the event. The social aspect of Parkrun is as important as the physical activity, with many participants looking forward to a cup of tea and a chat after the run.
Liz, who is 78 years old, credits running with keeping her active and healthy. She highlights the benefits of running, including being outdoors, connecting with like-minded individuals, and staying fit later in life. Running has helped her make friends and maintain an active lifestyle.
Brian Willet, the co-event director at Pollok Parkrun, echoes Liz’s sentiments about the inclusive nature of Parkrun. He emphasizes that the event is open to people of all fitness levels, from beginners completing their first 5k to seasoned athletes aiming for personal bests. Parkrun provides a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy running in the park.
Brian also notes the sociable aspect of Parkrun, where participants can strike up conversations with strangers and reconnect with old acquaintances. The event offers a break from daily worries and allows people to enjoy the company of others while being active outdoors. Parkrun is a community-driven initiative that relies on volunteers to make each event successful.
In Glasgow, several Parkruns take place every Saturday morning at various parks across the city. These events are free to attend and are made possible by the dedication of volunteers. Whether you’re looking to start your fitness journey, meet new people, or simply enjoy a run in the park, Parkrun offers something for everyone.
For more information about Parkrun events and how to get involved, visit https://www.parkrun.org.uk/. Join the global community of runners celebrating health, fitness, and friendship at Parkrun’s 20th birthday and beyond.
