What is parkrun?
parkrun is a weekly timed 5km run in a local park that is free to enter and welcome to all.
On arrival
Walking across the field was slightly daunting as there were quite a lot of people gathering, some looking remarkably professional with all their gear and impossible looking stretches, however on getting closer and looking around the broad mix of people becomes clear. What is immediately apparent is the buzz and the atmosphere. It may only be 8:50am on a Saturday morning and no doubt some had a glass of wine the night before but there is a hum of chatter and smiles everywhere.
Before the start of the run a steward calls out for any first timers to gather round so he can run through what to expect. This makes newbies find their feet with how the process works. Essentially – there are marshalls throughout the course guiding runners so no one will lose their way and unless you’re planning on turning up to take the course record there will always be someone in front of you.
Once everyone is in position ready to start there are a few announcements, which includes welcome claps for new runners and visiting runners from other parkruns. Lastly there is a round of applause for the volunteers – these are the people making the run happen. It’s a really positive, upbeat start to the event.
What is parkrun really like?
What is so nice is the variety of people taking part. At the start the speedy people shoot off looking as if they are going to sprint the whole way around (some pretty much do, by my standards anyway), others position themselves near the back ready for a steady plod. As the first five minutes passes everyone shakes down into their run, there are some pairs and groups casually jogging round in deep conversation, others have younger kids in tow and are running with them close by, holding hands or even pushing a stroller and then there are those intently focused on their own mission, be it to get a personal best (pb) time or simply to make it round!
For people that want to start running in a friendly supportive environment, parkrun is ideal. There are runners of all ages, shapes and sizes taking the run at their own speed so if you are still at the run/walk/run/walk stage then you won’t be alone. It’s family friendly and dog friendly (provided they’re on a lead) and an encouraging, sociable and supportive experience with the race marshals clapping as you go by.
If you’re already a runner but want to push yourself that bit more then parkrun gives you a regular opportunity to set yourself challenges. Through a barcode scanner system at the finish, every runner gets a time for their run, allowing you to track your performance week on week to see how you’re improving; these are available by text message or online. Everyone I chatted to has said that parkrun helps them to push harder and run faster than they ever would if out for a run on their own and I can testify to this, being surprised to find a surge of adrenaline (or a hidden competitive streak coming to the surface) as I neared the finish, spurring me on for that final extra push to get over the line.
parkrun at-a-glance
Cost: Free
Demographics: Ages ranged from babies in prams through to runners in their 60s and 70s with a nice balance of men and women
Where: parkruns take place nationally and internally. There are a number of parkrun events throughout East & West Sussex including:
- Brighton (Preston Park)
- Chichester
- Crawley
- Eastbourne
- Haywards Heath
- Horsham
- Hove
Please note you do need to pre-register online for your free barcode.
Ideal for: Anyone wanting to get fit in a friendly, sociable and unpressured environment without spending money!
Find out more: If you would like to find out more and register online to take part in a parkrun near you visit: http://www.parkrun.org.uk.
Chloë attended Preston Park parkrun, Brighton.
Photo provided by Mark Brocklehurst, MB Photography GB
