What Is Parkrun? The Running Phenomenon You’ll Love To Be A Part Of
“The best parkruns are defined not by the beauty of their course, but by the beauty of their volunteers and their participants.” - Paul Sinton-Hewitt, founder of parkrun
Parkrun is the running phenomenon that’s changing the world - inspiring you to lace up and walk, jog or run your way to a happier, healthier lifestyle. Parkrun invites you to join a pack of like-minded runners every Saturday morning to embrace and celebrate the positive benefits of running on your mental health and physical fitness.
Parkrun is for everyone. If you’re a parkrun beginner, this blog is for you - helping you shake off first-timers' anxiety to not only participate in your first parkrun and love it, but to potentially become a parkrun regular.
We’ll discuss the commonly asked questions about parkrun – giving you the ins and outs about everything from the history of parkrun, to how you, your kids and even your dog can get involved.
What is parkrun?
Parkrun isn’t just one event at one location. It's more than 1000 organised, weekly runs across 22 countries with millions of participants registered across the globe. Wherever you are in the world, there’s likely to be a parkrun near you.
Australia proudly hosts over 450 parkruns – be it in the heart of our capital cities, or the stunning, scenic locations across our picturesque country, including both urban and regional parks, gardens, beaches and forest trails.
Parkrun is a volunteer-run event, evoking a sense of community. And although run is in the name, the concept of parkrun was founded on the fact that the joy of movement should be accessible to everyone.
The runs, jogs or walks if you prefer, are a pressure-free 5km with no cut-off time. Whether you’re kick-starting your running journey or want to spark your motivation to maintain a regular fitness routine and turn running into your healthy habit – it’s the perfect place to support an active lifestyle and soak in the feel-good vibes.
For runners that are enthusiastic to crush your 5km personal best, parkrun is a timed event to support your running goals. For kids aged 4 - 14 years old, a weekly 2km junior parkrun held on Sundays gives children the opportunity to enjoy the social, emotional and health benefits of parkrun.
How did parkrun start?
On the 2nd of October, 2004, 13 enthusiastic runners and 3 volunteers gathered at Bushy Park, London for an invigorating 5km run at the overcast hour of 8:45am.
This first parkrun (originally called Bushy Park Time Trial) was founded by amateur club runner Paul Sinton-Hewitt after injuring his leg had impeded his ability to participate in his passion - running.
Paul organised a 5km time trial event as a get-together with his running buddies. Surrounding himself with friends from his running club, even if he wasn’t to run himself, was a source of inspiration for Paul and allowed him to stay connected to his passion.
Parkrun gained momentum, transforming to a weekly event as more runners joined the 5km journey. Together they enjoyed the freedom of movement and the satisfaction of socialising in a friendly, judgement-free atmosphere - complete with post-run coffee catch ups.
The success of parkrun spread to Wimbledon Common in 2007. Before the year wrapped up, England was home to six more parkrun locations, and one parkrun was hosted in Zimbabwe.
The parkrun phenomenon ignited across the United Kingdom. Australia alongside New Zealand, Denmark, Ireland, South Africa, Poland and the United States all embraced the parkrun movement by the end of 2012.
Parkrun Australia founder and sports enthusiast Tim Oberg brought the parkrun phenomenon to Australia, with the first ever Australian parkrun taking place on the 2nd of April 2011 at Main Beach, Gold Coast.
Why is parkrun so popular?
Parkrun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt believed that running should be free, simple, accessible and inclusive. Parkrun fulfils that need. It truly is an inclusive event - so whatever your ability or fitness goals, parkrun is for you. Whether you walk, jog or run across the finish line, you’ll be uplifted by the support and smiles of both the volunteers and participants around you.
Welcoming runners of every generation, gender, ethnicity and fitness level, parkrun breaks down social barriers – offering a hub where friendships of all shapes and colours can be born and built. It’s a community that’s founded on authenticity and gratitude for ourselves and each other. For some, parkrun is life-changing – an essential part of their mental health toolkit or fitness journey.
Parkrun also provides close community connection in a technological world, in an era where online interaction is the norm and the face-to-face experience is less and less prevalent. It fulfils a human need to connect – to share mutual goals, to be involved and to nurture positivity in ourselves and those around us.
Parkrun is less about the run itself and more about the sense of community and self-confidence it builds, blossoming an outlook of positivity and emotional wellbeing for every participant, alongside the volunteers that support them. With these reasons in mind, the popularity of parkrun isn’t surprising, yet the momentum of parkrun is nevertheless something to be in awe of.
What is a parkrun tourist?
Parkrun has come a long way, now even sparking a movement of ‘parkrun tourists’. A parkrun tourist is any parkrun participant that is running in a parkrun besides their home (local) parkrun – whether it be in a neighbouring suburb, distant city or state. Being a parkrun tourist allows you to keep your running routine fresh and invigorating, exploring new terrain, scenery, routes and being a part of the wider community that is parkrun.
As a parkrun tourist, you may be inspired to literally take your parkruns further. On the extreme end of parkrun tourism, some enthusiastic runners travel across the globe to chase their next parkrun – using it as motivation to combine globe-trotting with running. This allows you to get your parkrun fix on-the-go. Whether you’re wild about catching every parkrun, or you simply want to stay on track of your fitness while on holiday, any parkrun on the planet will welcome you with its heart-warming atmosphere and enthusiasm.
Passionate parkrun tourists have embraced the challenge of ticking off the A-Z of parkruns – that is, participating in a parkrun starting with every letter of the alphabet. However, currently this excludes the letter X, as there is no parkrun starting with this letter... yet.
Parkruns starting with Z are rare, however lucky for Australian ‘alphabeteers’ as they are affectionately called, one of these parkrun unicorns is located in Brisbane – the Zillmere parkrun.
Is parkrun good for you?
Absolutely! Alongside being mood-boosting as you lace up with a diverse community of like-minded runners for a shared experience (and likely a cup of coffee afterwards), parkrun is your weekly dose of motivation.
We run better together – and we’re not referring solely to performance, but more so in terms of consistency. With your weekly parkrun locked in, you’re more likely to stay accountable for your long-term running goals. In saying that, there’s absolutely no pressure to attend every week – so whether you love to plan your runs in advance, or spring into a session when the urge calls, parkrun will be waiting for you every Saturday morning.
Parkrun lets you run on your terms and at your pace as a beginner-friendly and family-friendly event. It allows you to soak in the positive atmosphere and game-changing tips of runners – whether you want to gradually increase your training load, add a pressure-free session to your (half) marathon training or simply want to run for fun and fitness.
For some, parkrun has been transformative – whether it’s a stepping stone to becoming a Six Star Finisher, giving you an entirely new outlook on your potential or building human connection and bonding with your family. With its openness and diversity, parkrun allows everyone to discover the joy of movement, including supporting participants of any fitness level, age or disability.
Parkrun is a fun and sustainable way to get into running. From warding off depression to diabetes, a commitment to parkrun may contribute to a happier, healthier and longer life.
Is parkrun a race?
No, parkrun isn’t a race (unless you’re racing against your personal best). Rather than celebrating who’s first across the finish line, parkrun is a celebration of participation, community and of course, running and its benefits to your mental and physical health.
A volunteer Tail Walker will stay at the back of the pack, ensuring everyone feels supported, encouraged and crosses the finish line safely. You never have to worry about coming last - there's no such thing at parkrun.
For competitive runners, parkrun can also be a valuable, pressure-free addition to your race day training, but parkrun is not a race in itself.
Is parkrun hard? How fast do I have to be?
Parkrun is truly what you make of it. Essentially, the difficulty level and pace of parkrun is your choice.
Parkrun is both for runners and non-runners. Whether you enjoy parkrun as speedwork for your marathon training, as your weekly motivation to move, an easy-going recovery jog or literally as a walk in the park – it’s the 5km journey for you.
For an additional level of intensity, you can hunt for hilly parkruns as part of your hill training or you can focus on achieving a 5km personal best – whether you’re running at your home parkrun or taking your fitness abroad.
Alternatively, you can take it slow and soak in the scenery – because there is no such thing as being too fast or too slow at parkrun. Part of the appeal of parkrun is that you are encouraged to walk, jog or run at your pace – free of pressure. Nobody finishes last, and above all, participation is celebrated. How you participate is up to you.
How do I register for parkrun?
It’s easy and it’s free! You can register for parkrun online.
You’ll be prompted to provide the necessary information such as setting your home parkrun and emergency contact details. You will then be allocated a unique barcode. Your barcode gives you access to any parkrun across the globe!
This scannable barcode is essentially your parkrun 'passport'. It tracks your participation and performance – tallying the number of parkruns you’ve participated in, your finishing time and where you placed in the pack. The data is saved online to your profile, making it a convenient way to monitor your progress.
Once your barcode is printed out, re-use it every time you participate in any parkrun across the globe. This means you only ever need to register once throughout the entire history of your parkrun journey – wherever it takes you.
Besides paper, your barcode can also be printed on an official card, tag or wristband for your convenience. We recommend printing some extra barcodes so they're always close at hand - particularly if they get muddy or sweaty during parkrun. Your barcode also allows your emergency contact details to be accessed quickly as a safety precaution.
How does parkrun work?
Parkrun is a beginner-friendly experience. It's easy to locate a parkrun near you by searching 'parkrun' in Google Maps.
For parkrun first-timers, here are 9 easy steps on what to do on the day of parkrun to ensure your parkrun journey runs smoothly from start to finish line.
- Arrive 15 – 20 minutes prior to the start time (typical start time is 7am in QLD and NT, 8am in NSW, WA, SA and Victoria and 9am in Tasmania. Check the specific parkrun event page for confirmation).
- Listen to guidance from the race director or volunteers with your fellow runners at the briefing area.
- Get your sportswatch run-ready if you wish to track your session.
- Line up ready to start, then take off with a smile!
- Don’t compare yourself to other runners – remember it’s not a race. Walk, jog or run at your own pace.
- Give yourself, your fellow runners and volunteers a high-five, you’ve completed the run!
- You will be given a position token upon crossing the finish line to hand to a volunteer Scanner. Please take your smile home as a souvenir instead of your position token - these need to be returned for use in the next parkrun. A volunteer will also scan your personal barcode at the completion of the 5km to track your run. (See above How do I register for parkrun? for more information on your barcode).
- Consider joining your fellow parkrunners in a no-pressure, post-parkrun coffee. Parkrunners love chatting about, you guessed it, parkrun!
- You’ll receive an email of your results after every parkrun, or you can access your history of results via your parkrun profile online at any time to ignite your motivation.
What should I wear to parkrun?
Dress to run! This means gearing up with your favourite running shoes, running clothing and topping it off with a running cap or running beanie. Ideally, dress for the conditions – which means checking out our layering tips in the autumn and winter months or keeping it light and loose during summer runs. From full-length tights to hip-hugging shorts, wear running gear that makes you feel comfortable and that inspires confidence.
No matter the weather, opt for clothing that is breathable and sweat-wicking to run in distraction-free and healthy conditions. Recycled polyester is on the rise from leading sportswear brands – an environmentally preferable sportswear alternative to virgin polyester at no compromise to comfort and performance.
The course description on the parkrun website can also give you a hint as to the terrain. Some parkruns may have off-road sections, which means a trail running shoe may be a valuable addition to your shoe rotation. And don’t forget technical running socks! Running socks can help ward off blisters, fine-tune your running shoe fit and keep your feet running happy.
Can I bring my dog, stroller or child to parkrun?
Yes, parkrun is a family-friendly event, so whether you have your running pram, older children or your furry running buddy in tow, you’re good to run!
However, there are a few exceptions so please follow these safety guidelines and parkrun etiquette tips. Check the official parkrun website for confirmation on what is permitted at your specific parkrun event.
- Dogs are allowed at the 5km parkrun sessions only. With the exception of assistance dogs, dogs are not prohibited to participate at junior parkrun events as a matter of safety, including in the care of volunteers
- Runners aren’t permitted to run with a dog and running pram simultaneously
- Dogs must be on a short, non-extendable handheld lead (not a waist-harness) to reduce risk to yourself and other participants
- Only one dog is allowed to accompany each walker/jogger/runner/volunteer
- Spectators may accompany their dog at a safe distance from the event
- Children under 11 years old must be supervised by a parent, guardian or designated adult during the 5km parkrun event.
- Children may run unaccompanied at the 2km junior parkrun, but their parent/guardian/designated adult must be in attendance the entire event
- Whether you're running on your own, with a running pram or a dog, please always be considerate of other participants and volunteers.
For families, parkrun is a fun and free event to run as a family and get your kids into running - setting the foundations to support your child's physical and mental health, confidence, self-esteem and love of movement now and in the future.
If you’re running with a pram, we recommend reading Everything You Need To Know Before Jogging With A Running Pram as a guideline to ensure your baby is the appropriate age and that your pram has the necessary safety features. If there’s any doubt, please seek the advice of your child’s paediatrician.
Which Australian parkrun has the most runners?
The record for highest attendance of any parkrun across Australia was achieved by South Bank parkrun in Brisbane, Queensland with 1,010 parkrunners flocking to the event on Christmas Day in 2019.
On a week-to-week basis, Melbourne's Albert Park Lake parkrun and Brisbane's South Bank parkrun have alternated in the 'popularity prize' in recent years.
Remember, no matter whether your home parkrun hosts 20 or over 500 runners, it's a rewarding and mentally nourishing experience.
How do I volunteer for parkrun?
Volunteers are the lifeblood of parkrun. Parkrun relies on every volunteer from race directors to timekeepers to ensure parkrun hosts a safe, welcoming environment and that the day progresses smoothly.
Contact the specific parkrun event you wish to volunteer at through the email on their website or their social media page. This will allow you to share your enthusiasm for volunteering, and let them know what volunteer position you’d like to fulfil. You can also discuss being a first-time volunteer with an experienced volunteer during any parkrun event.
See volunteer roles for the full list of positions and remember you can volunteer as frequently or infrequently as you like. We recommend that you register for parkrun if you have not already done so to help streamline the volunteering process.
Volunteering is fun and rewarding, with every volunteer being celebrated. Your participation in volunteering also goes towards earning yourself a parkrun milestone t-shirt (see What other rewards does parkrun offer? below).
Is parkrun free?
Just in case you missed it – yes! Parkrun is 100% free. There’s no downside, only the reward of running!
According to founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt, he is committed to "keeping parkrun free, for everyone, forever."
What other rewards does parkrun offer?
Besides the seemingly never-ending list of benefits to your physical and mental health that we touched on under Why parkrun is good for you?, you can earn a parkrun milestone t-shirt.
Parkrun veterans are eligible for a milestone t-shirt for every 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 parkruns they participate in (or 10 for participants under the age of 18) – whether you’re walking, running or volunteering. Your unique barcode tracks the number of parkruns you’ve completed to save you the guesswork and provide evidence of your achievements.
To cover production costs, storage and shipping, parkrun milestone t-shirts are no longer free. This is to ensure the survival of parkrun and to allow it to continue being free for everyone. With parkrun rising in popularity, providing the t-shirts for free isn’t sustainable, keeping in mind that parkrun is a not-for-profit organisation.
The parkrun milestone t-shirt is a wearable trophy of your achievements, and you’ll likely see other parkrun enthusiasts broadcasting their parkrun tee with a smile as they churn one leg in front of the other.
Happy running and we'll see you at parkrun!
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