What is Parkrun?

Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5K event held every Saturday morning in parks around the world. It's become a global running phenomenon since its founding in 2004.

Key Features

The Numbers (2024)

• 2,000+ locations worldwide
• 8 million+ registered runners
• 100+ countries participating
• 7+ million events completed

Parkrun Culture

It's NOT a Race (But It Is Timed)

The official ethos: "It's a run, not a race." But everyone secretly loves chasing PBs!

Volunteer Power

Events are 100% volunteer-run:

• Marshals
• Timekeepers
• Barcode scanners
• Tail walkers

You can't run 3 parkruns without volunteering at least once (social norm, not a rule).

Tourism

Parkrun tourism is huge:

• Visiting different locations
• Collecting different finish tokens
• Joining the "Alphabet Club" (A-Z locations)

Milestones & Clubs

Why Runners Love Parkrun

✅ Free and accessible
✅ Welcoming to all abilities
✅ Built-in community
✅ Weekly benchmark for fitness
✅ Excuse to explore new parks
✅ Post-run coffee culture

Common Parkrun Slang

• PB - Personal Best at parkrun
• Course PB - Best time at a specific parkrun
• First Finish - First place (coveted!)
• Tail Walker - Volunteer who finishes last
• Barcode - Your personal runner ID

Getting Started

1. Register at parkrun.com
2. Print your barcode
3. Show up Saturday morning
4. Run (or walk!) 5K
5. Get your time
6. Join for coffee ☕

Remember: "You lace up, and we'll see you there!"