Parkrun is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary on October 5, marking two decades since the organisation’s inaugural run.
From an initial individual event, parkrun has expanded throughout the UK and other countries around the world.
In November 2023, the 100 millionth global participation was recorded, highlighting just how far the sport has come in 20 years and how many people it has reached.
Over 2,200 parkruns have been set up in more than 23 countries spanning five continents, organised by a massive 800,000 volunteers. In one weekend (September 21-22), 1,998 parkruns were held around the world, 808 of which were in the UK.
In honour of parkrun’s 20th birthday, the organisation is encouraging people around the world to sign up for a celebratory run.
What is parkrun?
Parkrun is a collection of five-kilometre events for runners, walkers and volunteers that takes place every Saturday morning in thousands of locations acorss the globe. The events are known for their inclusive principles and for being organised by volunteers. Participation is free for everyone and there’s no pressure to run the whole distance or push for a personal best.
Other games have popped up organically around parkrun, such as doing a parkrun in locations that start with every letter of the alphabet.
What is being done for the 20th anniversary?
The very first parkrun was held in Bushy Park, then known as the Bushy Park 5K time trial. It was held in the second largest of London's eight royal parks. An injured athlete organised the original event to help a handful of clubmates enjoy a run without the usual level of competition.
Now in 2024, 20 years on, parkrun is returning to its roots with another organised run in Bushy Park. However, the organisers are keen to note that the ethos of parkrun is about more than the event in Bushy Park.
"On October 5th, every parkrun throughout the world is asked to celebrate our 20th birthday,” said the founder of parkrun, Paul Sinton-Hewitt CBE. “It’s definitely not about Bushy Park parkrun.
“The special thing about parkrun’s DNA is that your home event is the most special place where the real action takes place. Free, forever, community."
