parkrun

Parkrun was founded by Paul Sinton-Hewitt on 2 October 2004 at Bushy Park in London, England.{{Cite web |title=Our story |url=https://www.parkrun.com/about/our-story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911191302/https://www.parkrun.com/about/our-story/ |archive-date=11 September 2018 |access-date=11 September 2018 |website=www.parkrun.com}} Sinton-Hewitt was born in Zimbabwe and went to Potchefstroom High School for Boys in South Africa as a boarder.{{Cite web |last=Saayman |first=Marianke |date=2017-11-16 |title=Founder of parkrun in Potchefstroom after 40 years |url=http://potchefstroomherald.co.za/41405/founder-parkrun-potchefstroom-40-years/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320133027/https://potchefstroomherald.co.za/41405/founder-parkrun-potchefstroom-40-years/ |archive-date=20 March 2023 |access-date=2018-11-09 |publisher=Potchefstroom Herald}} He became a club runner with a personal best marathon time of 2 hours and 36 minutes.{{Cite web |date=27 February 2017 |title=Q&A: parkrun Founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt – Men's Running UK |url=https://mensrunninguk.co.uk/news/qa-parkrun-founder-paul-sinton-hewitt/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911191620/https://mensrunninguk.co.uk/news/qa-parkrun-founder-paul-sinton-hewitt/ |archive-date=11 September 2018 |access-date=11 September 2018}} In 2004, Sinton-Hewitt was suffering from depression and unable to run due to an injury. He founded Parkrun because he wanted to continue to spend time with his running friends. In a BBC Radio 4 interview he said that the idea for Parkrun came from his time in South Africa 20 years earlier where he had experienced competitive races that took place on the same course at the same time each week.{{Cite web |title=Saturday Live – Viv Groskop and Paul Sinton-Hewitt – BBC Sounds |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b04xjcmw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028152758/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b04xjcmw |archive-date=28 October 2018 |access-date=9 November 2018 |website=BBC}} The first event took place at Bushy Park, had 13 runners and three volunteers, and was managed by Sinton-Hewitt himself.

File:Parkrun Łódź - 6 lipca 2013.JPG

The Bushy Parkrun was originally known as the Bushy Park Time Trial. Its results were timed with a stopwatch and recorded on paper; washers, each one stamped with a finish number, were used as finishing tokens.{{Cite web |title=Our story |url=http://www.parkrun.com/about/our-story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911191302/https://www.parkrun.com/about/our-story/ |archive-date=11 September 2018 |access-date=11 September 2018 |website=www.parkrun.com}}{{Cite web |title=Paul Sinton-Hewitt Interview |url=https://runbundle.com/interviews/paul-sinton-hewitt-parkrun-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909221913/https://runbundle.com/interviews/paul-sinton-hewitt-parkrun-interview |archive-date=9 September 2018 |access-date=11 September 2018 |website=runbundle.com}} Over the next two years, the event took place every week with the number of participants and volunteers growing, and with new technology introduced to streamline the processing of results. The second Time Trial was launched at Wimbledon Common in 2007; it was here that the model of having an identical structure at different locations began. That year saw a further six events established.{{Cite web |last=Brilliant |first=James |date=11 March 2013 |title=Parkrun, the running revolution coming soon to a park near you |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2013/mar/11/parkrun-running-revolution-park |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331022940/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2013/mar/11/parkrun-running-revolution-park |archive-date=31 March 2019 |access-date=27 January 2019 |website=The Guardian}} They were initially known as UK Time Trials before the "parkrun" name was adopted. Five more locations were added in 2008, including the first Parkruns in Scotland and in Wales.{{Cite news |date=2018-12-01 |title=Runners mark 10 years of Scottish Parkrun |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-46386647 |access-date=2024-04-27 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=27 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427205343/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-46386647 |url-status=live }}

The first event outside the UK was launched in Zimbabwe in 2008, though this event no longer operates.{{Cite web |date=19 January 2024 |title=The first five years of parkrun |url=https://blog.parkrun.com/uk/2024/01/19/the-first-five-years-of-parkrun/ |access-date=29 September 2024 |website=Parkrun}} The longest-running Parkrun outside the UK was launched in Denmark in 2009. In 2010, there were 30 new events added including the first in Northern Ireland. In 2011 parkrun began in South Africa and Australia, both of which have seen significant growth in event numbers, and in 2012 Parkrun USA launched. Junior Parkrun started at Bushy Park in 2013. Sinton-Hewitt was appointed CBE in 2014 for his "services to grassroots sport".{{Cite web |date=3 August 2022 |title=SPOTLIGHT: PAUL SINTON-HEWITT, FOUNDER OF PARKRUN |url=https://www.wellawareuk.com/news/2017/12/13/spotlight-paul-sinton-hewitt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911191448/https://www.wellawareuk.com/news/2017/12/13/spotlight-paul-sinton-hewitt |archive-date=11 September 2018 |access-date=11 September 2018}}

By 2015, more than 80,000 people were gathering in parks across the world each week to run, jog and walk a Parkrun – more than twice the number who take part in the annual London Marathon.{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Genevieve |date=28 December 2015 |title=How parkrun became a global phenomenon: The free activity that has changed millions of people's lives |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/how-parkrun-became-a-global-phenomenon-the-free-activity-that-has-changed-millions-of-people-s-lives-a6788731.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206133438/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/how-parkrun-became-a-global-phenomenon-the-free-activity-that-has-changed-millions-of-people-s-lives-a6788731.html |archive-date=6 December 2022 |access-date=6 December 2022 |website=The Independent}} In 2016, 1.1 million different people completed a Parkrun and 142,000 people volunteered.{{Cite web |last=McCausland |first=Malcolm |date=6 January 2017 |title=Inside Track: parkrun phenomenon continues to spread worldwide |url=https://www.irishnews.com/sport/athletics/insidetrack/2017/01/06/news/inside-track-parkrun-phenomenon-continues-to-spread-worldwide-867433/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911191501/https://www.irishnews.com/sport/athletics/insidetrack/2017/01/06/news/inside-track-parkrun-phenomenon-continues-to-spread-worldwide-867433/ |archive-date=11 September 2018 |access-date=11 September 2018 |website=The Irish News}}

In 2017 "Parkrun Global Limited", the organisation which supports global Parkrun events, became a UK registered charity.{{Cite web |title=PARKRUN GLOBAL LIMITED - Charity 1175062 |url=https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5107721/governing-document |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503151112/https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5107721/governing-document |archive-date=3 May 2021 |access-date=3 May 2021 |website=register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk}}

By 2018, approximately a quarter of a million runners took part weekly in 1,500 events, spread over 20 countries.{{Cite news |title=How parkrun resurrected a vision of sport that has been lost for years |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/parkrun-london-manchester-jonathan-liew-a8527916.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/parkrun-london-manchester-jonathan-liew-a8527916.html |archive-date=25 May 2022}} Parkrun events were closed from March 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |last=Hobson |first=Ben |date=21 September 2020 |title=Return of parkrun scrapped because of surge in Covid-19 cases |url=https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/news/a33947995/parkrun-return-coronavirus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227122354/https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/news/a33947995/parkrun-return-coronavirus/ |archive-date=27 February 2021 |access-date=11 December 2020 |magazine=Runners World}} They resumed in England on 24 July 2021.{{Cite news |date=24 July 2021 |title=Parkrun back on in England after Covid pandemic suspension |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57955672 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320133032/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57955672 |archive-date=20 March 2023 |access-date=1 April 2023 |work=BBC News}}

Permanent event closures are rare. Zimbabwe was the first country to host a Parkrun outside the UK; the event started in 2007 but closed several years later.{{When|date=February 2024}} Parkrun Elliðaárdalur closed in 2012 due to operational difficulties in the winter, and Hillerød Parkrun in Denmark closed in 2013. Camp Bastion Parkrun was hosted at a military base in Afghanistan, which shut in 2014. More frequently, Parkruns have formally closed at a location, but have relocated to a venue nearby and changed name,{{Cite web |last=Marston |first=Carl |date=31 August 2018 |title=On the run: the rapid rise and occasional fall of parkrun |url=https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/heartwood-forest-parkrun-near-sandridge-st-albans-set-to-close-1-5676164 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414125832/https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/heartwood-forest-parkrun-near-sandridge-st-albans-set-to-close-1-5676164 |archive-date=14 April 2019 |access-date=2 December 2022 |website=East Anglian Daily Times}} such as when changes to the layout of the adjacent car park by East Lindsey District Council which cut the course in half, forcing the closure of the Parkrun.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}

In 2022, due to war invasion, Parkrun banned its site for users from Russia and ended support for all its events there. The local running Parkrun community separated from the international community and continued weekly events at the same venues under the local brand "5 вёрст" ("5 versts").{{Cite web |date=21 November 2024 |title=5 Versts - About the organisation (Russian) |url=https://5verst.ru/anoparkrun/ |website=5verst.ru |access-date=20 November 2024 |archive-date=7 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207020547/https://5verst.ru/anoparkrun/ |url-status=live }}

In 2022 Parkrun changed its rules to ban dogs running with owners where a waist-harness was used; participation was instead restricted to running with one dog on a short, hand-held lead. This was due to research that showed that where participants use waist harnesses, there was an "increased risk of serious incidents, particularly trips and falls, compared to when using handheld leads." A spokesperson said "More than 10% of incidents at Parkrun events involve dogs, and as such we have spent significant time considering the nature, frequency, and severity of dog-related incidents."{{Cite news |date=19 March 2022 |title=Parkrun: Barkrun being set up due to dog harness dispute |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-suffolk-60715460 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327113653/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-suffolk-60715460 |archive-date=27 March 2023 |access-date=27 March 2023 |publisher=BBC}}

In 2024, statistics were removed from the Parkrun website, including course records, most first finishes, sub-17 minute men and sub-20 minute women, age grade records and category records. In a statement to the BBC, Parkrun stated that this was as a result of investigations by a global working group looking at how their events could be less "off-putting" to potential participants. Parkrun also stated "[we have] spent many months now making detailed investigations and recommendations. What was clear is that there was a disconnect between the performance data displayed so prominently on the site, and our mission to create opportunities for as many people as possible to take part in parkrun events – especially those who are anxious about activities such as parkrun, but who potentially have an enormous amount to gain."{{Cite web |date=8 February 2024 |title=Parkrun removes data including speed records in order to be less 'off-putting' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/68239218 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208170528/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/68239218 |archive-date=8 February 2024 |access-date=8 February 2024 |website=BBC}} A petition was created on Change.org that called for the changes to be reversed, on the basis that they provide "motivation and inspiration" to participants.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-16 |title=Parkrun CEO Stands Behind Record Removal In Open Letter Despite Petition With 15,000 Signatures |url=https://marathonhandbook.com/parkrun-ceo-open-letter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216194532/https://marathonhandbook.com/parkrun-ceo-open-letter/ |archive-date=16 February 2024 |access-date=2024-02-16 |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Jeremy |date=2024-02-12 |title=Parkrun petition to reinstate records nears 7,000 signatures after just two days |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/athletics/2024/02/12/parkrun-petition-reinstate-records-transgender-removed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213071531/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/athletics/2024/02/12/parkrun-petition-reinstate-records-transgender-removed/ |archive-date=13 February 2024 |access-date=2024-02-13 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}

All Parkruns are {{convert|5|km|mi}} in length and are free to enter.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/parkrun-lovers-ask-why-pay-to-run-a-5k-1499697587|title=Parkrun Lovers Ask: Why Pay to Run a 5K?|first=Rachel|last=Bachman|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=10 July 2017|via=www.wsj.com|access-date=25 April 2018|archive-date=26 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426011813/https://www.wsj.com/articles/parkrun-lovers-ask-why-pay-to-run-a-5k-1499697587|url-status=live}} Anyone can take part, including walkers as well as runners. Participants include parents with their children, pensioners, people with their dogs, wheelchair users, people pushing prams, and club and casual runners, although not all courses are suitable for all participants.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/9512587/Parkrun-were-all-record-holders-now.html|title=Parkrun: we're all record holders now|first=Linda|last=Harrison|date=31 August 2012|via=www.telegraph.co.uk|access-date=1 September 2018|archive-date=1 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901114938/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/9512587/Parkrun-were-all-record-holders-now.html|url-status=live}} Beginner runners, older adults and overweight people are common.{{cite journal|url=https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/article/36/2/268/1548895|title=Exploring the public health potential of a mass community participation event|first1=C.|last1=Stevinson|first2=M.|last2=Hickson|date=15 August 2013|journal=Journal of Public Health|volume=36|issue=2|pages=268–274|doi=10.1093/pubmed/fdt082|pmid=23954885|doi-access=free|access-date=1 September 2018|archive-date=1 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901145937/https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/article/36/2/268/1548895|url-status=live}} Visually impaired runners and walkers are also able to participate, with the aid of trained guides.{{cite web|url=https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/near-you/projects/parkrun|title=Parkrun's Visually Impaired (VI) Scheme is a project that helps support visually impaired people to be more active.|publisher=UK National Lottery|access-date=23 March 2023|archive-date=27 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527092946/https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/near-you/projects/parkrun|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://britishblindsport.org.uk/membership/bbs-sports/guide-running/|title=Guide Running|publisher=British Blind Sport|access-date=23 March 2023|archive-date=27 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527092950/https://britishblindsport.org.uk/membership/bbs-sports/guide-running/|url-status=live}}

They usually take place at the same time, at the same place, on the same course, once per week. There is no formal procedure before the run, with participants asked to arrive shortly before the start time and wait near the starting line.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/aug/30/outdoor-fitness-parkrun-british-military-forces-project-awesome-parks|title='We still come if the rain's sideways' – how Britain fell in love with outdoor fitness|first1=Adharanand|last1=Finn |author-link1=Adharanand Finn |first2=Chitra|last2=Ramaswamy|first3=Tim|last3=Jonze|first4=Leo|last4=Benedictus|first5=Homa|last5=Khaleeli|date=30 August 2016|work=The Guardian|access-date=1 September 2018|archive-date=2 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902011823/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/aug/30/outdoor-fitness-parkrun-british-military-forces-project-awesome-parks|url-status=live}} A run director will make announcements giving safety instructions and community news before beginning the run.{{cite web|url=http://www.parkrun.org.uk/pomphreyhill/news/2014/10/21/what-does-a-run-director-actually-do/|title=What does a Run Director Actually Do?|website=www.parkrun.org.uk|date=21 October 2014|access-date=24 November 2018|archive-date=24 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124220319/http://www.parkrun.org.uk/pomphreyhill/news/2014/10/21/what-does-a-run-director-actually-do/|url-status=live}} Participants run or walk the course and are directed by marshals along the correct route to the finish line.{{cite web|url=http://www.parkrun.org.uk/news/2015/04/08/walking-the-talk/|title=Walking the Talk – parkrun UK|website=www.parkrun.org.uk|date=8 April 2015|access-date=24 November 2018|archive-date=24 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124220125/http://www.parkrun.org.uk/news/2015/04/08/walking-the-talk/|url-status=live}} As each runner enters the finish funnel, a volunteer records their finishing place and time. The results are uploaded to the Parkrun website, which also generates a number of statistics.{{cite web|url=http://www.parkrun.org.uk/margate/news/2016/03/03/parkrun-how-the-magic-works-and-a-few-gentle-reminders/|title=How the magic works|website=www.parkrun.org.uk|date=3 March 2016|access-date=24 November 2018|archive-date=24 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124220324/http://www.parkrun.org.uk/margate/news/2016/03/03/parkrun-how-the-magic-works-and-a-few-gentle-reminders/|url-status=live}} The results available are: finishing position for both male and female runners, finish time, whether a personal best time has been achieved, the total number of runs completed by an individual, their age grade result and their position in relation to other veteran or junior runners.{{cite web|url=https://support.parkrun.com/hc/en-us/articles/200565343-Where-can-I-find-my-results-|title=Where can I find my results?|website=parkrun Support|access-date=24 November 2018|archive-date=25 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125030709/https://support.parkrun.com/hc/en-us/articles/200565343-Where-can-I-find-my-results-|url-status=live}}

To have a time recorded, runners are asked to register on the Parkrun website, print out a personal ID that includes a barcode and bring it to each event. Alternatively, they can download the barcode or QR code to a phone app or fitness or smart watch. Registration needs to be done just once, with the barcode valid for any subsequent Parkrun in the world.{{cite web|url = http://www.timeout.com/london/sport/events/642554/bushy_park_time_trial_5k.html|title = TimeOut – Bushy Park Time Trial|access-date = 21 April 2008|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110607033322/http://www.timeout.com/london/sport/events/642554/bushy_park_time_trial_5k.html |archive-date = 7 June 2011|df = dmy-all

}}{{cite news|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-parks-running-idUSTRE49789320081008|title=parkrun clubs mix world class and weekend warriors|first=Mitch|last=Phillips|date=8 October 2008|access-date=1 April 2023|archive-date=1 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401120042/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-parks-running-idUSTRE49789320081008|url-status=live}}{{cite news|work=Reuters|date=31 May 2010|access-date=2 December 2022|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-athletics-parkrun-idUKTRE64K3GQ20100521|title=Grass-roots support pushes parkrun to new heights|first=Mitch|last=Phillips|archive-date=2 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202060858/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-athletics-parkrun-idUKTRE64K3GQ20100521|url-status=live}} Runners can still participate without registering, or if they forget to bring their personal barcode, but they will not have their time or participation recorded. If the runner does not have a barcode, their position on the finishers table will be recorded with the name "unknown" and no time. After passing the finish line, each runner is handed a "finish token" corresponding to their position. This is later scanned alongside their personal barcode, if they have one, to link their result with their Parkrun profile.

The Daily Telegraph reported that "what's clever is that it’s not a race against everyone else but a timed run", and that trying to improve your personal best time is a great incentive even for slower runners. The paper further explained that the success of the events is down to them being free and weekly, because it allows people to get into a routine.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing/outdoors/9946275/Parkrun-the-running-phenomenon-sweeping-the-nation.html|title=parkrun: the running phenomenon sweeping the nation|first=Harry|last=Wallop|date=25 March 2013|access-date=2 December 2022|work=The Daily Telegraph|archive-date=20 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320133026/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing/outdoors/9946275/Parkrun-the-running-phenomenon-sweeping-the-nation.html|url-status=live}}

An article in The Daily Telegraph said that a drop in gym usage can be attributed to a backlash against gym membership fees combined with the popularity of events such as Parkrun and fitness tracking devices.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/11668746/Peak-physique-Britains-gym-bubble-bursts.html|title=Peak physique? Britain's 'gym bubble' bursts|first=John|last=Bingham|date=11 June 2015|access-date=1 April 2023|work=The Daily Telegraph|archive-date=20 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320133030/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/11668746/Peak-physique-Britains-gym-bubble-bursts.html|url-status=live}}

File:Cannon Hill parkrun event 71 (678) (6659567323).jpg, is run in a city park on tarmac footpaths.]]

Events take place in a range of locations and are not restricted to parks. Venues include city parks, country parks, national parks, the grounds of stately homes, castles, forests, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, beaches, promenades, prisons, racecourses and nature reserves. The runs have different degrees of difficulty, with hilly runs harder to complete than those that are flat. The running surface varies, with many city park Parkruns being run on tarmac footpaths, closed roads, grass or a mixture of all three, while forest and country park Parkruns are more likely to be on trails. Runs that take place in hotter countries often start early in the morning to avoid excess heat.

Each Parkrun event is run entirely by volunteers, who are integral to its not-for-profit status.{{Cite web|url=http://www.parkrun.com/about/volunteers|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113060155/http://www.parkrun.com/about/volunteers|url-status=dead|title=Parkrun volunteer information|archivedate=13 January 2013}} There are several different volunteer roles at each Parkrun event.Example from Durham parkrun: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/durham/news/2013/03/12/volunteer-roles/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421084827/http://www.parkrun.org.uk/durham/news/2013/03/12/volunteer-roles/ |date=21 April 2014 }} Every event has a "volunteer" web page, with the same basic information about how to get involved as a volunteer, as well as crediting those who have made the effort in the most recent week.Bushy Parkrun volunteer information http://www.parkrun.org.uk/bushy/volunteer/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226201754/http://www.parkrun.org.uk/bushy/volunteer/ |date=26 February 2013 }} At the outset of Parkrun, the central organisation sought to simplify the volunteering process to allow new events to be set up with a low number of volunteers; this simplification now allows new volunteers to assist with minimal training.https://issuu.com/parkrun/docs/parkrun_2017_issuu_v4.1 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720120537/https://issuu.com/parkrun/docs/parkrun_2017_issuu_v4.1 |date=20 July 2018 }} p.7

Each event has a core team, who has received sanction from Parkrun HQ and the location owner to stage the event. The individual roles are typically filled by different volunteers each week and include: a run director who manages the event, making announcements and starting the run; course safety checkers; timekeepers; marshals; barcode scanners who scan finishing tokens; event setup and close down volunteers; pacers and tail walkers.{{cite web|url=http://www.parkrun.org.uk/durham/news/2013/03/12/volunteer-roles/|title=Volunteer Roles – Durham parkrun|website=www.parkrun.org.uk|date=12 March 2013|access-date=24 April 2013|archive-date=21 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421084827/http://www.parkrun.org.uk/durham/news/2013/03/12/volunteer-roles/|url-status=live}}

According to Steve Flowers at the University of Kent’s business school, Parkrun is an example, along with Wikipedia, of what he calls "people’s innovation", which The Guardian explains as being "driven by users rather than producers, by volunteers rather than professionals".{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/aug/29/forget-profit-love-fun-innovation-parkrun|title=Forget profit. It's love and fun that drive innovation like parkrun – Aditya Chakrabortty|first=Aditya|last=Chakrabortty|date=29 August 2018|website=The Guardian|access-date=1 September 2018|archive-date=1 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901055255/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/aug/29/forget-profit-love-fun-innovation-parkrun|url-status=live}} Volunteer roles such as timekeeping and barcode scanning use a free, downloadable app to assist with the data collection and compilation.{{Cite web |title=Virtual Volunteer - parkrun Volunteers |url=https://volunteer.parkrun.com/principles/virtual-volunteer |accessdate=13 March 2023 |website=Volunteer at Parkrun |archive-date=4 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204060010/https://volunteer.parkrun.com/principles/virtual-volunteer |url-status=live }}

Several surveys and academic studies have shown a net beneficial effect on health and wellbeing experienced among those who volunteer regularly at Parkruns.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-20/volunteering-parkrun-lifts-mood-physical-health-exercise-fitness/101348256|title=Isobel McKeown loves volunteering at parkrun, so do others who say it lifts their mood and physical health|date=20 August 2022|access-date=1 April 2023|author=Millar, Lisa|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323225652/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-20/volunteering-parkrun-lifts-mood-physical-health-exercise-fitness/101348256|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|journal=PLOS Global Public Health |title=The health benefits of volunteering at a free, weekly, 5 km event in the UK: A cross-sectional study of volunteers at parkrun.|last1=Haake|first1=Steve|last2=Quirk|first2=Helen|last3=Bullas|first3=Alice|date=24 February 2022|volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=e0000138 |doi=10.1371/journal.pgph.0000138 |pmid=36962286 |pmc=10021615 |doi-access=free }}{{cite web |title=Glasgow researchers reveal running 'makes people happier' after major new study |url=https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glasgow-researchers-reveal-running-makes-14573088 |date=25 April 2018 |access-date=20 July 2023 |archive-date=20 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720170705/https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glasgow-researchers-reveal-running-makes-14573088 |url-status=live }}

Junior Parkrun (stylised as junior parkrun) is a spin-off event that provides a {{convert|2|km|mile|frac=4}} event for children aged 4–14, held on Sunday mornings. Parents and guardians are allowed to run with their children but are not eligible for a placed finish. Dogs can be brought to the event but are not allowed to run with their owners.{{Cite web|title=What are junior parkruns?|url=https://support.parkrun.com/hc/en-us/articles/201853751-What-are-junior-parkruns-|access-date=2021-08-13|website=parkrun Support|language=en-UK|archive-date=28 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228064121/https://support.parkrun.com/hc/en-us/articles/201853751-What-are-junior-parkruns-|url-status=live}} Juniors who have completed 11, 21, 50, 100 or 250 junior runs are awarded a coloured wristband.{{Cite web|title=Are there any participation incentives in the junior series?|url=https://support.parkrun.com/hc/en-us/articles/201736292-Are-there-any-participation-incentives-in-the-junior-series|access-date=26 June 2024|archive-date=26 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626094356/https://support.parkrun.com/hc/en-us/articles/201736292-Are-there-any-participation-incentives-in-the-junior-series|url-status=live}}

Junior Parkrun takes place on Sunday mornings. When it was first launched, it was run monthly, on the first Sunday of every month; most events now take place weekly.{{cite web |title=Junior parkrun: everything you need to know |date=20 September 2019 |url=https://running101.co.uk/junior-parkrun-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/ |access-date=21 August 2023 |archive-date=21 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821121426/https://running101.co.uk/junior-parkrun-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/ |url-status=live }}

The number of runs by each participant at all events is posted on the Parkrun website. "Milestone clubs" are available when a runner has completed a sufficient number of events; milestones are available at 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 runs, and members can, if they so wish, order a colour-coded t-shirt to commemorate their achievement. The t-shirts are coloured purple, red, black, green and blue, respectively.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}

Juniors – those under the age of 18 — can claim a white T-shirt when they complete 10 runs, and there is a purple t-shirt for people who volunteer 25 times.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishnews.com/news/2016/02/08/news/-mr-parkrun-heads-for-running-milestone-409882/|title='Parkrun Jim' set for 250 milestone|date=8 February 2016|last=Doyle|first=Simon|access-date=17 August 2019|archive-date=3 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203232022/https://www.irishnews.com/news/2016/02/08/news/-mr-parkrun-heads-for-running-milestone-409882/|url-status=live}} The milestone and volunteer t-shirts were free until September 2021, at which point they became chargeable. At this time, additional volunteer t-shirts were introduced, to align with the milestone t-shirts: 25 (purple), 50 (red), 100 (black), 250 (green), 500 (blue) and 1000 (yellow).{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}

Runners, when they sign up on the Parkrun website, are asked to pick a "home Parkrun", usually the one they live closest to and are likely to frequent most. Parkrun tourists are broadly defined as anyone travelling to a run that is not their home Parkrun. Tourism can involve running in a neighbouring park, town, region or even country with some runners travelling to a different run every week.{{cite news|author= Snape, Jack|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-09/parkrun-tourism-adventurers-international-interstate-exercise/101216712|title=Why people travel thousands of kilometres to run just five as part of parkrun tourism|date=8 July 2022|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=23 March 2023|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323223006/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-09/parkrun-tourism-adventurers-international-interstate-exercise/101216712|url-status=live}}{{cite web |date=7 October 2017 |title=parkrun tourism: the running & travelling phenomenon – Fast Running |url=https://www.fastrunning.com/training/basics/parkrun-tourism-the-running-travelling-phenomenon/8344 |website=Fast Running |access-date=24 April 2018 |archive-date=25 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425032040/https://www.fastrunning.com/training/basics/parkrun-tourism-the-running-travelling-phenomenon/8344 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.chinchillanews.com.au/news/running-is-a-global-movement/3290425/|title=Running is a global movement|accessdate=13 March 2023|archive-date=12 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012102248/https://www.chinchillanews.com.au/news/running-is-a-global-movement/3290425/|url-status=live}}

Parkrun challenges involve completing a number of different runs in a particular way which are personally meaningful but not officially recorded. These include "Londone" which is completing all of the Parkruns in London.{{cite web|url=https://londonist.com/london/sport/london-parkrun|title=What We Learned Running Every Single London Parkrun|date=24 January 2017|access-date=24 April 2018|archive-date=25 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425035017/https://londonist.com/london/sport/london-parkrun|url-status=live}} The "alphabeteer" is running a Parkrun beginning with each letter of the alphabet{{cite web|url=http://www.thecomet.net/sport/other-sports/north-herts-road-runners-on-tour-1-5317146|title=North Herts Road Runners on Tour|first=Layth|last=Yousif|access-date=24 April 2018|archive-date=24 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424101041/http://www.thecomet.net/sport/other-sports/north-herts-road-runners-on-tour-1-5317146|url-status=dead}} and light hearted challenges such as the Bee Gees themed "Stayin' Alive" which is completing three runs beginning with B and three beginning with G.{{cite web|url=https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/17185804.lakes-runner-completes-alphabet-park-run-challenge/|title=Lakes runner completes alphabet park run challenge|website=The Westmorland Gazette|date=29 October 2018|access-date=21 November 2018|archive-date=22 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122005757/https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/17185804.lakes-runner-completes-alphabet-park-run-challenge/|url-status=live}} A Google Chrome and Firefox extension details further challenges such as "Groundhog Day" which is running the same time at the same Parkrun location in two consecutive weeks and "Regionnaire" which is to complete all of the Parkruns in any region.{{cite web|url=https://running-challenges.co.uk/|title=Running Challenges|website=Running Challenges|access-date=30 September 2018|archive-date=3 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903004756/https://running-challenges.co.uk/|url-status=live}}

• Female record holder: Ciara Mageean on 23 December 2023 with a time of 15:13 at Victoria Park Parkrun in Belfast, Northern Ireland.{{Cite web |date=23 December 2023 |title=Belfast Victoria Parkrun #585 |url=https://www.parkrun.org.uk/belfastvictoria/results/latestresults/ |via=www.parkrun.org.uk |access-date=24 December 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008164953/https://www.parkrun.org.uk/belfastvictoria/results/latestresults/ |url-status=live }} {{Cite news |date=23 December 2023 |title=Parkrun: Ciara Mageean breaks women's world record in event |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/67811741 |work=BBC News |access-date=24 December 2023 |archive-date=24 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224051845/https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/67811741 |url-status=live }}
• Male record holder: Nick Griggs on 9 November 2024 with a time of 13:44 at Victoria Park Parkrun in Belfast, Northern Ireland.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-10 |title=Nick Griggs: County Tyrone 19-year-old sets world's best time for Parkrun in Belfast |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/articles/cjw07p0l591o |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB |archive-date=10 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110194019/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/articles/cjw07p0l591o |url-status=live }}
• Age-graded record holder: Fauja Singh on 31 March 2012 (the day before his 101st birthday) with a time of 38:34 and an age grading of 179.04% at Valentines Parkrun, Ilford, London, England.{{Cite web|title=home {{!}} parkrun UK|url=https://www.parkrun.org.uk/|access-date=2021-08-13|website=www.parkrun.org.uk|language=en-US|archive-date=8 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508151934/https://www.parkrun.org.uk/|url-status=live}}
• Global record holder for highest number of runs: Darren Wood with 921 runs (as of 23 November 2024).{{Cite web |title=results {{!}} parkrun Singapore |url=https://www.parkrun.sg/parkrunner/490/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=www.parkrun.sg |language=en-US}}
• Global record holder for the highest number of different events: Paul Freyne with 707 different Parkrun locations (as of 23 November 2024).{{Cite web |title=All time events |url=https://leaderboard.cihipi.com/alltime.all.html |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=leaderboard.cihipi.com}}{{Cite web |title=results {{!}} parkrun Singapore |url=https://www.parkrun.sg/parkrunner/5227/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=www.parkrun.sg |language=en-US |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228222658/https://www.parkrun.sg/parkrunner/5227/ |url-status=live }}

Parkrun events are free of charge to participants and run principally by volunteers. Parkrun income comes from sponsorship and grants, with commercial income from apparel, wristbands, and accessories. Parkrun Global Limited receives all funds; it is a registered charity in England and Wales and in 2022 it reported income of £5.5m with expenditure of £4.3m.{{cite web |title=PARKRUN GLOBAL LIMITED |url=https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1175062&subid=0 |access-date=21 August 2023 |archive-date=21 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821151827/https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1175062&subid=0 |url-status=live }}

File:Parkrun runners.jpgA 2013 article in The Guardian noted the rapid growth of Parkrun and suggested this was mainly due to its simplicity and accessibility: runners register online once, turn up at any event, and run. Inclusivity is also a factor,{{cite web|url=http://www.sudburymercury.co.uk/news/parkrun-s-success-in-east-anglia-grows-1-5441525|title=parkrun's success in East Anglia keeps growing|first=Sheena|last=Grant|work=Sudbury Mercury|date=20 March 2018|access-date=11 May 2020|location=Sudbury, Suffolk|archive-date=3 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203042353/https://www.sudburymercury.co.uk/news/parkrun-s-success-in-east-anglia-grows-1-5441525|url-status=dead}} as participants have a wide range of running abilities, from fast club runners to those walking, a wide range of ages from children running with their parents to the elderly; also allowed are wheelchair users, those pushing buggies and people running with their dogs.

Commenting in The Independent in 2018, chief sports writer Jonathan Liew said: "parkrun is not simply one of the biggest sporting events in the world, but one of the most important, largely because it entirely upends what we have long been told sport is about." He discusses how sport has become ever more something the public pay to watch, packaged ever more expensively, with the sports people's lives tipping over into light entertainment, concluding: "parkrun offers something entirely different: community, opportunity, the outdoors, the simple pleasure of sport and people. In so doing, it has resurrected a vision of sport that has been in recession for a generation."

The Journal of Public Health reported in a 2013 study of 7,308 parkrun participants that the events attracted people who described themselves as non-runners, with women, older adults and overweight people well represented. It added that participation problems have been minimized, with no upper age limit, no special equipment and no cost. And while some participants ran before a parkrun, some are new to exercise, and parkrun offered the opportunity and support to become active on a continuous weekly basis.

A 2015 qualitative study by the University of Loughborough found that runners attending a parkrun for the first time were typically motivated for weight loss or an improvement in their physical fitness.{{cite web|url=http://www.ncsem.org.uk/understanding-peoples-motivations-for-taking-part-in-parkrun/|publisher=National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine|author=Stevinson, Clare|title=Understanding people's motivations for taking part in parkrun|access-date=25 April 2018|archive-date=26 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426080410/http://www.ncsem.org.uk/understanding-peoples-motivations-for-taking-part-in-parkrun/|url-status=live}} On the other hand, there were a range of motivations for runners to continue regularly taking part, with runners wanting to beat their personal record time, reach a certain number of runs and join a milestone club, enjoy being outdoors, make new friends through volunteering, and meet up with existing friends or family.

Parkrun endeavours to promote health and wellbeing through a number of initiatives. Its mission statement is "a healthier and happier planet".{{cite web|url=https://blog.parkrun.com/uk/2017/01/06/weve-only-just-begun/|title=We've only just begun|first=Tom|last=Williams|publisher=Parkrun UK|access-date=14 May 2020|date=6 January 2017|archive-date=13 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813012156/https://blog.parkrun.com/uk/2017/01/06/weve-only-just-begun/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2018/apr/25/parkrun-makes-us-fitter-but-can-it-make-us-happier-as-well/ |title=Parkrun makes us fitter, but can it make us happier as well? |work=The Guardian |first=Kate |last=Carter |date=25 April 2018 |access-date=14 May 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915073240/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2018/apr/25/parkrun-makes-us-fitter-but-can-it-make-us-happier-as-well |url-status=live }} In the UK, Parkrun has partnered with the Royal College of General Practitioners in order to promote healthy living through increased physical activity, socialisation and mutual support.{{cite web|url=https://practicebusiness.co.uk/boosting-community-health-becoming-a-parkrun-practice/|title=Boosting community health; becoming a 'parkrun' practice|work=Practice Business|date=28 August 2018|publisher=Intelligent Media|access-date=14 May 2020|archive-date=21 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921041155/https://practicebusiness.co.uk/boosting-community-health-becoming-a-parkrun-practice|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rcgp.org.uk/parkrun-practice/|title=Parkrun Practice|publisher=Royal College of General Practitioners|access-date=14 July 2023|archive-date=21 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221123202/https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/course/view.php?id=723|url-status=live}}

In Ireland, the long-running Operation Transformation TV show has partnered with Parkrun on several occasions, encouraging viewers to join local Parkruns that held special Couch-to-5k programmes to coincide with the series.{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2017/0112/844444-operation-transformation-couch-to-5k-parkrun/|title=Operation Transformation: Join the Couch to 5k parkrun|publisher=RTÉ|date=13 January 2017|access-date=27 April 2023|archive-date=27 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427140137/https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2017/0112/844444-operation-transformation-couch-to-5k-parkrun/|url-status=live}}

Most events are run with the support and sometimes the sponsorship of local authorities. A notable conflict occurred at Little Stoke Parkrun. Parkrun does not set up events where charges would apply to the organisers or runners. Little Stoke Parkrun had begun with the council's permission in November 2012.{{cite web |title=Little Stoke parkrun |date=3 November 2012 |url=http://www.parkrun.org.uk/littlestoke/results/weeklyresults/?runSeqNumber=1 |publisher=Parkrun UK |access-date=14 May 2020 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141505/http://www.parkrun.org.uk/littlestoke/results/weeklyresults/?runSeqNumber=1 |url-status=live }} In April 2016 the responsible parish council in Stoke Gifford, Bristol, England, voted to charge runners a fee to participate.{{cite news |title=Council votes to charge Parkrun for Little Stoke event |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-36030582 |access-date=14 May 2020 |date=12 April 2016 |archive-date=18 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518120624/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-36030582 |url-status=live }} Despite an online petition and support from the Minister for Sport, the council would not change its decision, so the Parkrun was permanently cancelled.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-36102609 |title=Minister backs free Parkrun after Stoke Gifford furore |publisher=BBC News |date=21 April 2016 |access-date=14 May 2020 |archive-date=29 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629065323/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-36102609 |url-status=live }} In April 2017 the British Government proposed that, in future, local councils in England would not be allowed to charge for Parkruns in a public park.{{cite news |date=15 April 2017 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39604630 |title=Ban on council park fun run fees proposed in England |access-date=14 May 2020 |publisher=BBC News |archive-date=13 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213162752/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39604630 |url-status=live }}

The first Australian Parkrun event was held at Main Beach, on the Gold Coast, on 2 April 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.parkrun.com.au/aboutus/|title=about us – parkrun Australia|website=www.parkrun.com.au|access-date=29 August 2018|archive-date=29 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829175440/http://www.parkrun.com.au/aboutus/|url-status=live}} ABC News, remarking on Parkrun Australia, said "there are competitive runners aiming to win but there are just as many people running for the fun of it. If people want to race each other, that's fine, they can, but if you want to walk that is fine too. Everyone is welcome, from kids to grandparents, it's one of the few sporting events that a family can do together."{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-29/parkrun-movement-building-communities-and-making-exercise-fun/7057944|title=Parkrun brings communities together, makes running fun|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=29 December 2015|access-date=29 August 2018|archive-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831081145/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-29/parkrun-movement-building-communities-and-making-exercise-fun/7057944|url-status=live}} The 1,000,000th runner completed Parkrun in Australia in January 2024.{{Cite news |last1=Gordon |first1=Zilla |last2=Bonica |first2=Danielle |date=2024-01-26 |title=Why more Aussies are choosing to go for a run every Saturday morning |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-27/parkrun-one-millionth-runner-exercise-australia/103389394 |access-date=2024-07-16 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU |archive-date=16 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716050713/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-27/parkrun-one-millionth-runner-exercise-australia/103389394 |url-status=live }}

The first three parkruns in Germany were Georgengarten parkrun in Hannover, Küchenholz parkrun in Leipzig and Neckarau parkrun in Mannheim, when they all hosted their first event on 2 December 2017. When Aachener Weiher parkrun started in Cologne, it became the first parkrun in the alphabetical list of all parkruns.

The first run in Ireland was at Malahide Castle to the north of Dublin on 10 November 2012. The rollout of Parkruns in Ireland was assisted by funding from the government's Department of Health with the aim of empowering local communities and encouraging individuals and families to lead active lives. The record attendance was at St. Annes Parkrun on 30 September 2023, when there were 911 runners.{{Cite web |title=Results St Annes Parkrun |url=https://www.parkrun.ie/stannes/results/419/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719002240/https://www.parkrun.ie/stannes/results/419/ |archive-date=19 July 2019 |accessdate=4 January 2025}}

Parkrun was introduced for the first time to Japan on 6 April 2019, by the Futako-Tamagawa Parkrun event in Tokyo. There are now 24 events held every Saturday morning in Japan.[https://www.parkrun.jp/ Parkrun in Japan, in partnership with Sumitomo Life] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311223244/https://www.parkrun.jp/ |date=11 March 2022 }} in Japanese

The most recent country to host Parkrun events is Lithuania, with the launch of Parkrun Vingis in Vilnius, on September 21, 2024, with 223 participants in attendance.

The first event was at Lower Hutt on 5 May 2012.{{Cite web |title=about us {{!}} parkrun New Zealand |url=https://www.parkrun.co.nz/aboutus/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=www.parkrun.co.nz |language=en-US |archive-date=22 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022184233/https://www.parkrun.co.nz/aboutus/ |url-status=live }} Cornwall parkrun in Auckland started on 28 July 2012. As of December 2024, there were 56 parkrun events around the country taking place every weekend, with more locations being added all of the time.

The first Polish Parkrun took place in Gdynia on 15 Oct 2011. Poland has the first Parkrun to cross the border of another country: Cieszyn Parkrun starts in Poland but crosses into the Czech Republic before returning to Poland.{{cite web|url=http://www.parkrun.pl/cieszyn/trasa/|title=Trasa – Cieszyn parkrun|trans-title=Route – Cieszyn parkrun|language=pl|website=www.parkrun.pl|access-date=15 August 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924064331/http://www.parkrun.pl/cieszyn/trasa/|url-status=live}} The record attendance was at Tczew Parkrun on 13 May 2023 when there were 1774 runners.{{cite web|url=http://www.parkrun.pl/rezultaty/rekordyfrekwencji/|title=Rezultaty – parkrun Polska|trans-title=Results – parkrun Poland |website=www.parkrun.pl|language=pl|access-date=29 August 2018|archive-date=27 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127054431/http://www.parkrun.pl/rezultaty/rekordyfrekwencji/|url-status=live}}

Parkrun in Russia began simultaneously at Kolomenskoe Parkrun and Severnoe Tushino Parkrun on 1 March 2014.{{Cite web|title=главная {{!}} parkrun Россия|url=https://www.parkrun.ru/|access-date=2021-08-13|website=www.parkrun.ru|language=en-US|archive-date=8 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008141745/https://www.parkrun.ru/|url-status=live}} Parkrun Yakutsk Dohsun took place in Yakutsk, which has an average daily temperature of {{convert|-8.8|C}}.{{Cite web|title=главная {{!}} parkrun Якутск Дохсун {{!}} parkrun Якутск Дохсун|url=https://www.parkrun.ru/yakutskdokhsun/|access-date=2021-08-13|website=www.parkrun.ru|language=en-US|archive-date=23 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423114933/https://www.parkrun.ru/yakutskdokhsun/|url-status=live}}

All Parkrun events in Russia are currently cancelled to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Parkrun South Africa was started and promoted by ultramarathoner Bruce Fordyce.{{cite web|url=https://www.brandsouthafrica.com/people-culture/sport/sports-news/running-parkrun|title=Parkrun takes off in South Africa|last=Mafika|date=31 July 2013|access-date=1 January 2019|archive-date=12 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412070532/https://www.brandsouthafrica.com/people-culture/sport/sports-news/running-parkrun|url-status=live}} The first Parkrun took place at Delta Park in Johannesburg on 12 November 2011 and had 26 participants. It is now one of the larger Parkruns, regularly drawing up to 1200 runners and attracting tourists as the first one in the nation.{{cite web|url=https://randburgsun.co.za/333165/a-cake-for-parkrun-sa/|title=1 700 runners turn up for Parkrun SA anniversary – Randburg Sun|date=14 November 2017|access-date=29 August 2018|archive-date=23 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523233658/https://randburgsun.co.za/333165/a-cake-for-parkrun-sa/|url-status=live}} The world record attendance was at North Beach, Durban, which saw 2527 runners on 20 January 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.parkrun.co.za/results/attendancerecords/|title=results – parkrun South Africa|website=www.parkrun.co.za|access-date=14 January 2018|archive-date=14 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114184348/http://www.parkrun.co.za/results/attendancerecords/|url-status=live}}

The first parkrun event in the United States was in Livonia, Michigan on 2 June 2012.{{cite web |url=https://blog.parkrun.com/us/2020/06/04/happy-anniversary-parkrun-usa/ |title=Happy Anniversary parkrun USA |website=Parkrun US Blog |publisher=parkrun |date=4 June 2020 |access-date=30 October 2024 |archive-date=2 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602025841/https://blog.parkrun.com/us/2020/06/04/happy-anniversary-parkrun-usa/ |url-status=live }} {{As of|2024|10|30}} there are 78 active events.

There are festive and special events which do not necessarily occur on a Saturday. Each country chooses its own special event days, which are held optionally by local Parkrun teams – i.e., they will not be run at every Parkrun location. Generally, where such special events are held, they are Parkruns on Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and/or national holidays in their respective countries.{{Cite web|url=https://support.parkrun.com/hc/en-us/articles/200565633-Special-Events|title=Special Events – parkrun Support|accessdate=13 March 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205040612/https://support.parkrun.com/hc/en-us/articles/200565633-Special-Events|url-status=live}}

Parkrun is held in 26 of the 28 different countries and territories listed below as of 23 November 2024.

Some nations' Parkrun events are suspended:

‡ Parkrun events in France were suspended from July 2022 due to legal issues regarding medical certification.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-07 |title=Suspension des événements parkrun en France (parkrun events in France suspended) |url=https://blog.parkrun.com/fr/2022/07/07/suspension-des-evenements-parkrun-en-france-parkrun-events-in-france-suspended/ |access-date=2023-03-10 |website=parkrun FR Blog |language=en |archive-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828104817/https://blog.parkrun.com/fr/2022/07/07/suspension-des-evenements-parkrun-en-france-parkrun-events-in-france-suspended/ |url-status=live }}

¶ Parkrun events in Russia were suspended from March 2022 due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Parkrun CEO Russ Jefferys explained the suspension, saying the war "directly conflicts with our charitable objective of promoting health and happiness across the world" and that Parkrun volunteers "should not be put in a position in which they are forced to justify why parkrun events remain open or have to explain their personal politics in a country where that would put them at risk".{{Cite web |date=2022-03-06 |title=Suspension of events in Russia |url=https://www.parkrun.com/blog/news/2022/03/01/suspension-of-events-in-russia/ |access-date=2023-03-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306080503/https://www.parkrun.com/blog/news/2022/03/01/suspension-of-events-in-russia/ |archive-date=6 March 2022 }}

The following table lists countries which host junior Parkrun as of 28 August 2022:

• Outdoor fitness
• 5K run

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book |last=Bourne |first=Debra |title=Parkrun: much more than just a run in the park |year=2014 |publisher=Chequered Flag Publishing |isbn=9780956946072}}

{{Commons category|Parkrun}}

• {{Official website|https://www.parkrun.com/}}

Category:2004 establishments in England

Category:5K runs

Category:Athletics competitions in England

Category:Organisations based in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Category:Recurring sporting events established in 2004

Category:Road running competitions

Category:Running events

Parkrun

Category:Sports events cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Category:Trail running competitions