In October 2004, 13 amateur runners got together in Bushy Park to complete the first ever Parkrun. Today, the 5k phenomenon has taken the world by storm with over 3 million people coming together each Saturday morning to walk, jog and run around their local area. Parkrun’s format is very simple, all you have to do is register online, print your specially designed barcode and bring it along to one of the 596 events that take place up and down the country.
At a typical Parkrun you’ll find young people, old people, dog walkers, mothers pushing their buggies and an array of fancy dress as runners come together to socialise as they exercise. It’s all about the taking part and the enthusiasm of the crowd is what brings people back every weekend. The experience comes before competitiveness and a PB is simply a bonus!
The beauty of Parkrun is that anyone can take part, whether you’re a county runner or someone who hasn’t ran since their school PE lessons; everyone is welcomed. Parkrun prides itself on being inclusive and bringing local communities together, with the founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt stressing the idea that “no-one should have to pay to go running in their community, safely and for fun”. Here at Zbra, we agree with this statement and love the idea of inclusivity as we try and encourage more women to get involved with sport.
Our chosen charity, Women in Sport, work very closely with Parkrun and notice how women are more likely to be ‘reluctant runners’. As a member of the Zbra team, I would have once described myself as a ‘reluctant runner’ often making up excuses not to exercise. However, when I took part in my first Parkrun, at the Riverfront course in January, I couldn’t believe the level of support that was given by volunteers and runners themselves who cheered each other on and encouraged every single person taking part. As a result of completing my first one, I have a much more positive outlook on running and plan to take part in many more.
If you too would like to join the Parkrun movement visit: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/
Here is a list of local Manchester runs:
Platt Fields Park, Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield
Heaton Park, Middleton Road, Prestwich
Wythenshawe Park, Wythenshawe Road, Wythenshawe
Varley Park, Battersea Road, Stockport
Worsley Woods, Parrin Lane, Salford
Chadderton Hall Park, Chadderton Hall Road, Chadderton
Alexandra Park, Kings Road, Oldham
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