What started as a small group enjoying a jog has evolved into a global phenomenon. Parkrun has captured the interest of people who previously may not have considered running or walking.
A Global Movement Rooted in Community
Parkrun’s philosophy centres on creating a healthier community through free, volunteer-led, 5km runs or walks in open spaces every weekend around the world. Originating in Britain in 2004, Parkrun now spans 25 countries, encompassing over 3000 events and nearly 12 million registered participants.
Darren de Groot, a former member of the Johnsonville-based Olympic Harriers running and walking club, now volunteers for Parkrun most Saturdays. He emphasizes the importance of community, participation, personal achievement, and camaraderie.
De Groot said the interest is growing and participants are spreading the word.
“If you don’t know about Parkrun, you’re not in the bubble.”
Personal Achievement and Camaraderie
Parkrunners get hooked, and the organisation marks milestones for the number of events completed. Many others attempt to run every Parkrun in their region or in the country.
Participants only need to register once and can compete at any event nation-wide.
Joanne Lowe, a retired Wellington teacher, has been Parkrunning for just over a year. She heads to the Wellington waterfront most Saturday’s with family and neighbourhood friends.
“I love exercising outdoors, I love the waterfront, it is so vibrant at that time of the morning and you just feel part of the city. No one cares what you’re doing, you’re just part of a group.”
She said she likes that it provides a social opportunity and that she can mix jogging with walking and is now just a couple of runs away from reaching her milestone of 25 events.
Lowe admitted she was one of the slowest in the Waitangi group.
“There is a volunteer tail-walker so you never feel like you are the last person … I like that.”
New Zealand Embraces Parkrun
New Zealand’s first Parkrun was held in the Hutt Valley in 2012. Now, there are almost 70 locations.
Every Saturday morning more than 10,000 people take part in an organised walk or run somewhere in New Zealand known as Parkrun.
Since being involved as a volunteer for the past seven years de Groot has encouraged a number of people to give it a go.
“I tell them it’s not a race, it’s about progression and personal achievement and next thing they’re at Parkrun and they’ve completed 20 of them.”
Parkrunners get hooked and the organisation marks milestones for the number of events completed while many others attempt to run every Parkrun in their region or in the country.
Participants only need to register once and can compete at any event nation-wide.
De Groot has encouraged a number of people to give it a go. He tells them it’s not a race, it’s about progression and personal achievement.