welcome to the newsletter
In this week’s newsletter Fitbit put a spring in your step, Paul Sinton-Hewitt updates us on his Alzheimer's Research UK fundraising, Intersport listen, we invite you to the Westminster Mile and parkrun is endorsed by the Chief Medical Officer.
Physical activity has almost endless benefits for physical and mental health and wellbeing. Those who achieve the UK Chief Medical Officer’s recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week, are less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease, type-2 diabetes (and those with diabetes are better able to manage their blood sugar), cancer, musculoskeletal problems such as osteoarthritis, and stroke – to name just a few. Research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
As a nation, we do not get as much exercise as we should. The latest data shows that only 63% of men and 52% of women achieve the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
Sometimes we all need some support and a bit of motivation to get up and start moving more. That is why, as the Chief Medical Officer, I am so thrilled to see an initiative like parkrun thriving. I am also delighted to see the success of junior parkrun. It is well known that people are more likely to continue with sport and exercise if they do it with friends, and we know how important it is to make sure that exercise and sporting environments are open, fun and welcoming to all. I have only kept going with my running all these years because I go out mid-week with a friend.
parkrun delivers a space for people of all abilities, and all ages, to get our running shoes on and raise our heart rates with a supportive community that can help us to achieve our physical activity goals. parkrun is community led, and community facing, allowing local authorities to benefit the health of their population by simply supporting parkrun with a location, and helping it to be visible. The volunteers, the community and those at parkrun who drive this initiative forward deserve a huge amount of credit for what they have achieved so far, and I hope that more local authorities will provide support going forward so that parkrun continues to grow.
As Chief Medical Officer I endorse parkrun as a valuable and innovative vehicle for promoting physical activity. It is fun, engaging, and provides an environment to meet people and benefit your health. I regularly tell my friends and colleagues about parkrun, and so should all of you – we must spread the word!
Happy running,
Dame Sally Davies
Chief Medical Officer for England
get a spring in your step with Fitbit
Now that spring has officially sprung, we can welcome lighter mornings, longer days and look forward to new goals. Swapping bitter winds for better weather, what will you hope to achieve?
Perhaps you’ll be looking to improve your personal best, or even try parkrun for the very first time! Every target is as individual as you are and whatever you choose to do there’s a Fitbit to for you.
Suitable for everyday use and athlete training, you won’t miss a step with Fitbit. Our family of trackers monitors your activity, allowing you to see your progress, and there’s nothing more encouraging than looking back and seeing how well you’ve done.
parkrunners enjoy an exclusive £15 discount off selected devices, so click here to start your Fitbit journey today if you haven’t already.
Visit our blog for fitness inspiration ranging from training tips to recipes to fuel your workouts. We also love to share your success stories, so get in touch via Facebook or Twitter and you could be a feature too!
Tell us your goal, and good luck!
Paul’s marathon update
I've run a handful of marathons in the past – about 15 in total. I started running these events when I was 24 and soon realised that if you want to run it's all about preparation. Running well is more than just achieving a time; it's about achieving your desired goal.
My goal at this year’s London Marathon is enjoyment. Consequently, I have focused on ensuring that I've done the miles or more importantly that I've spent sufficient time on my feet during long runs. I expect to complete the marathon in about four hours and so my longest runs have been more than 3.5 hours. This has benefited me in a couple of ways. Firstly, I'm much stronger because of the distance covered, and secondly, my mind is strong too. I am now ready to face the challenge.
For everyone who is running their first marathon at London, now is the time to be strong. You have done the work and should be feeling confident too. Don't be tempted to overdo the training. Trust that you have done enough and focus on understanding your game plan for the day. The result will be a wonderful day filled with great experiences and achievement.
I am so looking forward to sharing the challenge with all the Alzheimer’s Research UK runners and those parkrunners who are on the course on the 26th. If you would like to make a small donation to support the fantastic work that Alzheimer’s Research UK are doing, please visit my donation page. Thank you.
we listen…
It was a pleasure to welcome members of the parkrun community including run directors, parkrun volunteers and runners, and Intersport retailers to a group meeting at Intersport head office last week. The objective was to discuss the partnership and to have an honest and open discussion about the journey so far, how we can support each other going forwards and what next.
The feedback from the group gave us a real insight into ‘parkrun: behind the scenes’ from all angles, and we were happy to see we’re all on the same path and looking forward to working together over the weeks and months to come.
It was great to hear that the hi-vis vests have gone down well, ‘good quality’ was mentioned a lot which is fantastic. The group also came up with lots of ideas to work on and we totally get the message that it’s all about the community and getting involved. We want to ensure that everything we do is of benefit to parkrun and the parkrun community. We are here for the long haul, not just a short trip.
Remember to keep the pictures coming on Twitter #loveparkrun and make sure you like us on Facebook to keep up with what’s going on.
See you at your next parkrun!
Westminster Mile
The Vitality Westminster Mile takes place on 29 May this year and once again we are invited to run in our very own wave. It’s a fabulous family day out and is open to people of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes - sounds familiar! Places in the parkrun wave are strictly limited to 450, so sign up now and join us on The Mall.
we are recruiting
From quiet beginnings, parkrun has grown to be a major force for grassroots athletic participation and community engagement.
In order to support our growth, we are seeking to appoint an experienced Administrator to join the team in Leeds. Working in a fast-paced environment with a supportive and fun team alongside you, you will play a key role in us achieving our objectives.
If you are interested in applying then please click here.
Please note: Applications will only be considered from experienced candidates who demonstrate they meet the requirements of the post.
parkrun UK is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are welcomed from all sectors of society and all appointments are made on merit alone.
parkrun population
Here are this week’s summary statistics for parkrun UK (including junior parkrun)
Number of parkrunners – 84,314
Number of volunteers – 8,222
Number of first timers – 6,912
Number of PBs – 13,263
random stat of the week
More than 84,000 people have filled the volunteer role of ‘marshal’ at a UK parkrun. They've clapped, cheered, high-fived and pointed the way over 290,000 times to make sure we all enjoyed the experience. Thank you marshals!
feedback from the field
Let us know if you have an interesting parkrun related fact, happening or comment that you would like to share with all parkrunners
I had RRMS (Relapsing Remittent Multiple Sclerosis) diagnosed in 2011 having lost the use of my right leg completely for four months. This massively left my balance and fitness totally off-rail! Treatment has been by injections since then. Missing running like I used to before my major relapse as I found out post all the tests (Club leagues, cross country) I toned it down to doing just the occasional parkrun within my area. Having done a few to start with (Worsley Woods and Bolton) I started to attend others for the enjoyment of differing courses! I’ve done 70 now and 15 different locations. Each one has a different atmosphere (all good) and there are people I know at most. My thanks to parkrun for my balance – life and fitness.
Vince Ashton
It was with huge personal pride that I gained the runner-up placing for this year's Bangor parkrun points table. It could only have been made possible with the fantastic team of volunteers and support staff who make the parkrun magic happen each and every week, huge thanks to you all. parkrun was just the job to measure and enable myself to get back to a decent level of health and fitness, having endured Ulcerated Colitis for the best part of five years. Today thankfully I'm post Ileostomy surgery by five years and have got to say parkrun has helped enormously with my rehab and self-confidence, and I hope to earn my 100 tee later this year. Thank you - parkrun should be on prescription!
Brian Crilly
I spent a delightful Saturday last weekend being proud of everyone around me! Just to prove parkrun is for everyone, I was elated to see my husband, Marlon, complete his first sub-17 run and was over the moon to accompany my friend, Karen Long, on her first 5k run, who with patience and hard work ran every single step. Thank you Long Eaton parkrun for a great morning!
Claire Dunkley
Hannah is a regular Colchester Castle parkrunner. Last week was her hen weekend before she becomes Mrs Crabb. The weekend kicked off at 9am with Hannah dressed as a crab joined by a few hens. Hannah's mum’s words of encouragement "Come on, hennies!" could be heard all around the park!
Nina Pegler
It started with a parkrun… Susanne Barnes caught Tim Cooper's eye at our Christmas 2014 parkrun. Later, on Twitter, he complimented the *ahem* ‘Parkrun Race Director’ on her very lovely Angel Gabriel outfit. On New Year's Day Susanne thanked Tim for his message – and of course corrected him that parkrun (lower case p) is a run, not a race. He bought Susanne a coffee the following week, they arranged a run, then dinner. On Saturday sneaky Tim arranged to marshal, stopped Susanne on her last lap and proposed! It was a joy to see such a lovely couple so happy and mobbed with hugs from all their parkrun friends! Many many congratulations Susanne and Tim from everyone here at Woking parkrun!
Philippa Kiely
We are looking forward to our forthcoming wedding on Saturday 2 April, which we'll kick off by doing Burgess parkrun together. Kate will be wearing her hen-do sash... unfortunately I don't have anything appropriate from my stag (ahem)! We usually do Southwark parkrun together but Burgess will be a more family affair. What a way to start the day.
James Lush and Kate Greenwood
parkrunner of the week
Name: Simon Mayes
Club: West End Runners
Age: 26
Home parkrun: Braunstone parkrun
Occupation: Accountant
Number of runs: 62
Favourite volunteer role: Run directing - hard work but great to see it come together!
What do you do at parkruns: When it comes to volunteering I shall do whatever needs doing. On my running parkrun days I will run it however I feel. If I have a race the next day I shall take it steady and run around with a friend for a chat (as long as they don't mind that of course) or help try and pace a friend to a PB. If I have a free week I like to use it as a chance to go for a quick one!
How has parkrun changed your running: From people I know, I seem to be one of the few who had never heard of parkrun and didn’t run their first one until joining a club. So I can't say it’s ‘changed’ it as such. But it’s allowed me to focus on different aspects of my running training each week, whether that’s going all out for a PB, or using it as a ‘fast leg’ as part of a longer run. And it gives me a helluva lot of fun and satisfaction each week!
What do you like about parkrun: I love the fact that whether you are a serious runner, or someone who just likes a plod, parkrun allows all different sorts of people to enjoy a run every Saturday morning. The community aspect is wonderful too – there are so many fantastic people I have met through parkrun and made a lot of great friends that without it I would never have had. And it’s fun – it’s great to see so many people achieve so many different things each week.
Most memorable or funniest parkrun moment: Well I would say two – the first (and currently only) time I came as first finisher on tour at Market Harborough – it’s a run and not a race but it was still pretty cool. The other was on my 50th parkrun – to mark the occasion I dressed up as a boxing kangaroo (see picture – no real reason for that, they're just a cool animal) complete with boxing gloves (not very comfortable to run in) although I found that people kept calling me Scooby Doo all the way round! Might get an Australian flag next time...
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reminders
barcode reminder
Printed barcodes are used at all parkrun events to record your result. No barcode, no time, no exception. To retrieve and print your barcode, click here. To order a barcode wristband, which can also include your name, emergency contact details, and any medical conditions, please follow this link.
Don't forget your barcode #dfyb
children at parkrun
We welcome children at parkrun. Please note that those under the age of 11 must be within arm's reach of a parent, guardian or designated adult of the parents' choice whilst attending 5k parkrun events. Children aged 4 to 14 can run unaccompanied at our junior parkrun events.
You can read the latest junior parkrun newsletter here.
volunteering at parkrun
Every event relies on volunteers and in 2015 alone more than 68,000 of you came forward to support the parkrun community. Volunteering is a wonderful way to make friends, feel great and have fun. If that sounds like it's for you please contact your local event team and get involved.
cancellations
For cancellations please check your event’s news page for the most up to date information.
all questions answered
Do you have a question about parkrun? How do I collect my club t-shirt? How do I get my barcode? All your questions are answered on our brand new support site.
official charity partner
our sponsors
Changing health and life insurance for good.
Vitality is insurance that rewards you for being healthy. It's there to protect you when things go wrong unexpectedly but it's also there to help you lead a healthier life - meaning you don't have to claim to be able to benefit. If you keep well, then you're less likely to claim. That means it costs us less to look after you. We think that if we're saving money, you should benefit from that. So as you get healthier, we offer you discounts to encourage you to be healthy, rewards to keep you motivated and to help you rest and relax, and cashback so you've got more money to spend on doing things you love. Find out more about Vitality
Sport to the people
parkrun has been a key player in promoting running as an accessible participation sport to the expanding community of runners. The parkrun model of local volunteers delivering weekly runs to people of all ages and abilities in their local community fits perfectly with the Intersport philosophy of bringing sport to the people. Together we look forward to encouraging more people to get their running shoes on. Find out more about Intersport
our supporters
Inspiring runners of all levels
For information on all events organised by the London Marathon, please visit london-marathon.co.uk
Delivering your results earlier
For information on the company powering the mobile messaging, please visit aql.com
Connecting parkrunners everywhere
For information on the mobile communications company, please visit three.co.uk
The world’s leading achievement award for young people
For more information on The Duke of Edinburgh's Award please visit dofe.org