Why Parkrun?

Where It All Began

Founded in 2004 by Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the first parkrun took part as a time trial in Bushy Park. This turned into a few events around the country called 'UK Time Trials' and eventually Parkrun in 2010. Today there are over a million registrants around the world!

Beginning Or Racing

It doesn't actually matter whether you haven't worn trainers for years or if you live in them. The whole idea is that you get out on a Saturday morning, do a 5k and whether you walk or go hell for leather, you will be pulled along by the fantastic, friendly atmosphere and community spirit.

Volunteers

Integral to the running of a parkrun event is volunteers described as 'the heart' of parkrun. Marshalls, time keepers, barcode scanners as well as processing of results and clearing up; taking part in the Saturday event as a volunteer is a great way to give back to the organisers of your local event. Look out for pacing events too to help other runners achieve their goals.

Community

Want to be part of something in your local community? Meeting other runners and socialising is just as much a part of doing a 5k as the running part. Recognising personal achievements and involving local running clubs boosts moral and knits together a huge array of people up and down the UK and overseas with one common theme.

The addition of Junior Parkrun- a 2k version of Parkrun for children aged 4-14 on a Sunday has been a great addition allowing children to follow in their parents footsteps in a safe, friendly environment.

If you haven't yet had a go, find your local Parkrun here.

Should you need any further persuasion, check out some photos from Shrewsbury Parkrun's 2nd birthday event last Saturday and...Don't Forget Your Barcode!


*Photo credits to the fantastic photographers at Shrewsbury Parkrun and congratulations to Paul & Susan for 2 years since the start of Shrewsbury's event.

Shrewsbury Parkrun yearly points winners

'The Hill' at Shrewsbury