In 2004, 13 runners and 3 volunteers came together in Bushy Park, London, to do a timed 5km run. 4 years later, the name 'Parkrun' was born. This free, weekly, timed 5km run takes place every Saturday morning at 9am in locations around the world. As of November 2019, the number of Parkrun locations has reached 675 and the number of Parkrun participants has hit an incredible 2,219,255 people.
How do I register?
Registration is free and easy but must be done online in advance of attending parkrun for the first time. Once registered, you remain registered for life. The instructions for registration (taken from the parkrun website) are as follows:
Go to parkrun.com/countries and select your country. Then click register from the top right menu and fill in the form. Finally await your confirmation email containing your barcode, print it out and remember to bring it with you when you run.
Please note that barcodes must be printed and physically brought with you to each parkrun. Volunteers cannot accept barcodes on a phone or other electronic device.
Who can do Parkrun?
Anyone aged 4 years and above can register for a barcode. Children aged under 11 years must run or walk within an arm's length of a parent, guardian or other designated responsible adult. Buggies are welcome but you may want to contact individual parkrun teams to find out more about the terrain for each particular location. There is also a Junior parkrun (free 2km run) every Sunday morning at 9am at 203 locations across the UK. See the website for more information. Wheelchair users are advised to contact their local Parkrun team in advance of attending an event to find out more information about the terrain & suitability of the course for wheelchairs.
Can I bring a dog?
Dogs are welcome at most parkrun events provided that they are kept on a short lead or harness and are well behaved. One dog is allowed per participant. Please check the course page for your chosen parkrun location on the parkrun website or contact the parkrun team for your chosen event for more information. Dogs are permitted at Ashton Court (Bristol) parkrun.
What do I do on the day of parkrun itself?
The run itself starts at 09:00am every Saturday morning, so it's a good idea to get there for around 08:50 so that you can listen to the pre-race briefing and announcements. If you're a first time participant (or new to that particular parkrun event) it's particularly important that you're there for the briefing. There will be plenty of marshalls on the way around the course. Once you've finished, take a finshers' token from a volunteer (this will be handed to you in the finish area - often a 'funnel') then make your way to one of the parkrun volunteers on hand to scan your barcode and finishers' token. This is to ensure that you get sent a time for your efforts! If you don't bring your barcode then you won't get a result.
I'm not a 'runner'/I'm 'not very fast'...can I still take part?
YES! Parkrun is designed to be very inclusive. There is a huge range in age, background and fitness level - this is what makes parkrun so special. You can run, walk or jog parkrun and we have tail walkers (designated parkrun volunteers) at each event to ensure that nobody gets left behind. If you're unable or not wanting to to walk or run then why not become a parkrun volunteer? There are several roles available from setting up the course to marshalling, scanning barcodes and tail walking. Find out more here: https://support.parkrun.com/hc/en-us/articles/200566453-How-do-I-volunteer-
NORTH BRISTOL TRUST (NBT) ASHTON COURT PARKRUN TAKEOVER, JANUARY 2020
All members of staff working at North Bristol Trust are invited to take part in our North Bristol Trust Ashton Court (Bristol) 'Takeover' on Saturday 25th January, 2020. This event will form part of our NBT Junior Doctor Wellbeing Week. You can run, walk, job, volunteer or just watch the event! The event is free and will follow the format of a normal Ashton Court parkrun - with the run starting at 09:00 after the pre-race briefing. You just need to make sure you've registered (free) at https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/. Print your personalised barcode and bring it along to the event so that you can be emailed your result. Find out more about Ashton Court parkrun here: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/ashton-court/. We need at least 17 volunteers to help make this event possible, so please email Alice (one of the NBT Wellbeing Fellows 2019-2020) at Alice.James@nbt.nhs.uk if you're happy to get involved.
Author: Alice James, November 2019
References:
1. https://www.parkrun.org.uk/
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkrun
3. https://www.rcgp.org.uk/-/media/Files/CIRC/Clinical-programmes/RCGP-parkrun-practice-toolkit-2018.ashx?mw=200&ts=20180824T0800266901
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