As much as we love having a big event to aim for, there’s nothing like a smaller scale, less pressurised local event to breakup the monotony of training – especially if you normally run alone.
Some smaller events can feel a bit serious or are aimed at club runners, but parkrun are different – they organise free, weekly 5km timed runs that are open to all.
The concept is pretty simple and that’s why we like it so much. You just register online, turn up and run and guess what? You can keep coming back each week if you enjoy it!
Where are they?
The runs take place in pleasant parkland surroundings all over the country, so mostly they will be softer underfoot than if you were pounding the pavement. Plus it’s so much nicer to be surrounded by grass and trees rather than concrete! And having fresher air to breathe is undoubtedly healthier.
The runs are timed, so they are in effect a race – but don’t let that put you off. The whole idea of parkrun is that it is welcoming to runners of all abilities and ages. Timing the run simply gives you the chance to monitor your improvement – which is handy for keeping you motivated, or if you are training for a longer event.
The other great thing about parkrun is that there are loads of events taking place all over the country each weekend, so chances are there will be one near you. It’s the perfect combination of a local community event, combined with the knowledge and expertise of a bigger event.
Junior events
Legendary five-time World Ironman [triathlon] champ Chrissie Wellington is also a big fan of parkrun, (and this is not just some celebrity ‘photoshoot’ endorsement!), and is getting stuck in helping to grow parkrun junior events.
“You have to see a parkrun event to truly appreciate how amazing and influential they are,” she says. “These events are driving incredible change – making physical activity a reality for people all across the UK. And to have the honour of leading the development of the junior series is the icing on the cake!”
There are currently four successful junior events (Bushy Park Juniors attracted 333 runners last month) and they are looking to expand this series later in the year – so keep an eye out for those, too.
Want to know more?
Click here to see if there is a run in your area.
Once you have found an event, you can review all the information about the course, check out the photo gallery and even find out how to be a volunteer at a run. You might even want to wander along and check it out before you run – that’s the beauty of the events being weekly.
Maybe see you there!
Sportsister,
The Women’s Sports Magazine
Photo credit: David Rowe