Parkrun Celebrates 20 Years of Community and Fitness

From a small gathering in London to a global movement, Parkrun has transformed lives through its inclusive 5km events.

Parkrun began on October 2, 2004, with 13 runners in Bushy Park, London, and has since expanded to over 2,500 locations in 23 countries.
Founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt started Parkrun while recovering from an injury, aiming to foster community spirit and promote physical and mental well-being.
The event is free, open to all, and emphasizes participation over competition, contributing to increased life satisfaction according to recent studies.
Parkrun has become a charitable organization, with initiatives like GP referrals and prison events to reach non-active individuals.
More than 10 million people are registered for Parkrun, with nearly 6 million having completed at least one event, highlighting its widespread impact.