The 20th anniversary of parkrun was celebrated today (Saturday 5th October, 2024), as new research shows the event is meeting its goal to make people healthier and happier.
Parkrun started on Saturday 2nd October, 2004, when 13 runners joined a free timed 5k run at Bushy Park in south-west London, which was organised by runner Paul Sinton-Hewitt while he was recovering from injury.
Now around 200,000 people take part in Parkrun, every Saturday across more than 900 locations 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. It starts at 9am.
Almost 2,000 GP practices around the world are twinned with their local event and social prescribing has seen parkrun suggested to people with anxiety, depression, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, heart conditions and cancer.
New research led by Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield, based on a six-month study of 548 newly registered parkrunners, showed life satisfaction increased after doing as few as two parkruns.
Professor Steve Haake, from Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre – who led the study, said while those who are least active see the greatest benefit from taking part, it is not just completing the 5k which makes a difference as improved wellbeing is also seen in those who volunteer.
He said using the UK Office of National Statistics approach to measuring wellbeing, on a scale of zero to 10 (where 10 is the best), the research showed life satisfaction increased by 0.26, from 7.49 to 7.75, in those participating in parkrun, taking them from below the UK average to above it.
Why not have a go (run, walk, whatever) at your local parkrun? Find the one nearest you here.
