Running outside can be a wonderful experience.
If you are a regular visitor to Fitzness.com, you will know how passionate we are about absolutely
everyone having the opportunity to lead a healthier lifestyle. We have shared stories about how
you can begin exercising and how to keep it going when you are at your lowest.
We see our mission to get everyone around the world off their couches and up on their feet
exercising. You may not end up at the Olympics or on the best betting sites for your talent. But if
you are feeling better about yourself and enjoying a healthier life, we believe that we are doing
something right.
There are plenty of fitness videos on the site, as well as information about organized runs, but
today we wanted to share our love for Parkruns – a simple initiative that has now taken the
world by storm and inspired many to exercise regularly for the first time in their lives.
What is Parkrun?
There are thousands of Parkruns all over the world now, but it started off as a simple idea way
back in 2004. Paul Sinton-Hewitt was born in Zimbabwe and had been quite a good club runner
as a child. When he moved to London, England, in later life, he wanted to get back into running
with friends.
So he put out an advert about a time trial run in a London park. Thirteen people turned up for
the first-ever Parkrun (although it wasn’t called that then), with three volunteers helping
everything go smoothly. He didn’t think to ask permission from the park, but it became an instant
success.
The Simple Brilliance of Parkrun
Now thousands of people enjoy a weekly 5K run in a local park. The reasons for its popularity
are hardly difficult to understand. There is a simple brilliance in why so many people invest their
time. For a start, it is remarkably easy to host and be involved. There are no fees or
subscriptions – you just turn up and run (or walk if you prefer).
The social element of Parkruns – and keeping fit and healthy in general – cannot be
underestimated. It is a weekly event, and great friendships have been made at these events.
The location is important as well. Local parks are easy to get to and are often a beacon of green
space and nature in the cities where the Parkruns take place.
Worldwide Running
Parkruns may have begun as a small group of like-minded people wanting to go for a run in
their local park. But it is now a worldwide phenomenon. There are Parkruns in almost 30
countries around the world, with many locations boasting multiple events around the country.
Everyone is welcome to get involved
Why Do People Love Parkrun?
We love the idea of Parkruns because they get people into the outdoors and running. There is
no one forcing them to turn up on a weekly basis. But they turn up every seven days and treat
their run as a social occasion. The fact that they are doing so much good for their bodies is just
a bonus for many.
The feeling of community is a big attraction for many. Meeting up with friends is a great way of
making sure that you keep up a fitness routine, and enjoying the fresh air of a local park is as
good a way as any we can think of. It is perfectly possible that some of these volunteers and
runners wouldn’t know what to do if their event was canceled.
Be Inspired
We love hearing stories about how large groups of people all around the world are getting
together and committing to a healthier lifestyle. We are involved in a number of different
initiatives ourselves and know that these kinds of social runs can be hugely important – and
enjoyable.
Don’t worry if there is no Parkrun event near you, though. Take the idea and run with it yourself
(pun intended!). Get a group of friends together and just go running. You will never look back on
that moment as a bad decision – trust us!
