Why I love ParkRun
Bibra Lake WA Parkrun
Parkrun- the most simple concept: weekly, free, 5k, for everyone, forever.
Held all over the world in most major cities. There are about 30 events or different courses in Perth and many more throughout WA in other cities and towns. There are 270 events in Australia and 1300 across the world.
It all started in the UK in 2004 with just 18 runners. Ordinary people- this wasn’t a business or a government health initiative.
And that is where the magic of Parkrun lies.
Diamond Creek, VIC parkrun
Parkrun is free for all and volunteer-led. There are some business sponsors but this is mainly just people helping people.
The spread of people who are attracted to Parkrun is impressive- professional athletes, parents with kids, people who have been running for years, people who are learning to run for the first time, parents with kids, young couples, people with dogs, people pushing prams and running.
Parkrun is also for walkers- last time I volunteered, an older man proudly told me he was going for a walking record that day of under 1 hr.
Nightcliff NT Parkrun
Parkrun offers a challenge to people who crave it, safety and support to people who need it, community and a social outlet, and a home away from home for people travelling ('“Parkrun tourists.”)
Whenever I travel I try to get to a Parkrun in a new place and it’s an amazing way to get a feel for the local area and people.
Parkrun has given me a way to easily get back to running 5kms when I’ve been out of practice for a while. It’s been a really effective way of getting friends involved in regular exercise.
When I was younger and trying to phase out of unhealthy drinking habits, it was a way of having a healthy alternative to look forward to on the weekend.
It has been an anchor in my chaotic life for a very long time. It has been a social meeting place and a place to meet new people. It has been a way to not feel alone when I am very alone in a new place.
If you want to join a Parkrun, head to the website and register for a barcode that gets scanned for your time at the end of each run. If you’re drawn to Parkrun for the social aspect, I recommend volunteering rather than just running. There’s usually a meeting place for coffee afterwards which will be advertised on the individual event’s page.