I struggle with social anxiety being in environments with lots of people where you have to have small talk is a real challenge. Parkruns are one of those rare places I can be, can enjoy the social aspect of being in a large group and the atmosphere that comes with that without the anxiety of having to make conversation or being stuck in one place with people. Not to be anti social, but Runners all nodding to each other, saying well done, but each concentrating on their run makes it such a great environment for me personally
@@Matt-ks7bp I would say try it once. The other thing is that you can dip out at any point so you are never obliged to stay or keep running the course if it becomes overwhelming or uncomfortable, and because it’s in a public space with other people around no one will notice. It’s been a long time now and over time I have been able to recognise people and start having interactions that I wouldn’t have had when I started because of the nature of parkrun. But as I said before, it is possible to just go there, be in a group but also keep yourself to yourself. Whatever you decide to do, good luck. I know it’s not easy and that first step is the hardest
I first did parkrun in 2007 in Wimbledon Common. There were only 2 parkruns nationally at the time. What a phenomenon it has become. When i did the Brighton marathon, the founder of parkrun started the race. He said its been a battle to keep them free. Even if the fee was £1 it would be a barrier. Respect to parkrun
Parkrun honesty changed my life. And in 2 years I've managed to take 18 minutes off my time. (now running 22 minute 5kms) the community it's created is amazing.
I'm an introvert and I love running alone but if there were parkruns in my area in France, I think I'd do them regularly. I absolutely love how it enables people to feel safe, more confident, to find a community, have fun and to... RUN, of course :).
I started running in 2019 at 58. Was conned into it by some friends. never did couch to 5K just did run walk but got up to 5k have done 20 Park runns now and have done a few 10K's as well. Park run is a great motivator. wotking towards breaking 30 mins 30.07 is my best last year at 61.
I have been an active runner since 2004, the year I became a member of a running club. It was a great time in the club, but lately I do not like the way how things are developing there, as the values of the club have changed in a way that I do not feel represented there anymore. So what did I do? I was looking for a new running community that I can identify myself with again. That is how I discovered parkrun and love every bit of it. The only problem is that parkrun is hardly known in Germany, so our parkruns are still quite small. That is why I want to advertise my home parkrun in Offenthal that only has about 10 people every weekend, but has some beautiful landscaapes and even some parkrun themes, such as running in santa hats at christmas. If anybody who reads this wants to run there, I will, in return, one day run their home parkrun. We might still be small, but knowing that 7 million people cannot be wrong makes me hope that parkrun can grow in every country outside the UK, as runners always support each other.
TRC found some great examples of parkrunners who embody the spirit and reasons for why it's such a brilliant public health and community initiative. Just look at how happy and excited these folks are - and that's absolutely the norm at parkrun!
I love parkrun! A friend told me about a few years ago when I wanted to start running. Due to various reasons, I didn't keep it up but I decided that seeing as New Year's Day fell on a Saturday this year to go and I haven't missed one yet! I'm not the fittest person, but it gives me the motivation to improve.
The community of Parkrun is what brought me back to it more consistently than ever before! I really hope there's more that pop up in the US because it's been so motivating to continue. The community is so important especially with the pandemic making it harder to connect in person with others
More on parkrun please! It's such a huge part of many runners lives, me included. I did a couch to 5k four years ago, with our 5k being our first parkrun. I now run most weeks but also regularly volunteer - just love it!
I absolutely love parkrun. I only started just before lockdown and now I can't imagine my week without it. I also volenteer too which is massively rewarding.
I love this video. it really did show the magic of parkrun. For me, it was the gateway drug to marathons and ultra's. Such a great thing every week where you can meet some awesome people and make life long friends.
Definitely a parkrun success story. Initially was just for off season training but then got hooked on running due to parkrun. Was a godsend for the trials of the last couple of years. Running has helped me a lot. Now my wife and kids join in on parkrun days. Huge advocate for this organisation (and this channel 😉)
Love parkrun! Started with a friend in 2013 as part of a run every day challenge, it was the third time my local had been run and was very new to Canberra. Being a tourist has given trips away a great boost of fun and exercise and plays a big feature in when and where we go. Eventually all my family have participated either in the role of volunteer or by doing the 5km or both. My son uses a power wheelchair to move around and he was warmly welcomed into the parkrun community and now proudly wears his 100 shirt as he works he way up to 250 and he also loves to cheer when he volunteers as a Marshall.
I've been parkrunning for almost 10 years. I've completed 314 runs and volunteered over 100 times at 99 different parkruns in 7 countries. Was an Event Director for a while and through parkrun have met a lot of amazing & lovely people and even running celebs like Sonia O'Sullivan and Bruce Fordyce. What a great way to start every weekend.
Greetings from Australia, love the parkrun, been at it regularly since 2017. Like Dave in this video, I didn't get into regular running until around age 40 back in 2013, but have always been into fitness, mainly the weight training/gym culture back in the day. When I discovered parkrun it became a Sat morning ritual. I love the social aspect & love how you can visit other parkruns with all the stats, data on your parkrun history. I like going for 5K PB's, pacing others or just a social run or walk. It really doesn't matter as it caters for everyone in a friendly atmosphere. Everyone is so encouraging no matter what level or how you decide to run or walk. I've done over 150 parkruns now and volunteered nearly 30 times now, mainly as photographer at my home Lochiel parkrun in South Australia. I reckon a video on how to photograph runners at these gigs or any running event would be interesting, I love the role but it can be challenging, but again is fun & non judgemental as everyone knows it's a volunteer role and you do your best.
I do photos quite often at parkrun. I think decent cropping of the photo really helps (often so that one person/group is taking up almost the whole frame or near enough) but not zooming so much that quality suffers. Obviously having a phone/camera that is decent. I usually end up with about 400 photos and delete about half. Also I love interacting with the runners - you can tell the ones that love it so get them to pose, congratulate them and they will give you some great pictures. I used to award a poser of the week award 😂 The good thing is light isn’t usually an issue so your phone or camera probably has the shutter speed fast enough to avoid blurring.
Loved this. Only been going to parkrun since late 2017 and just hit my 91st. That said, I have done 87 volunteer days and have since become an RD in 2020.
@@runningchannel I was at Solihull, and saw Anna where it crosses over! Didn’t see myself sadly (though I’m kind of glad, bit of a mess that day) but your videos have helped me get down from a 30 min park run to ?25.10 I think that day. Cheers guys! Addicted to running now.
My wife has run all her life and was a regular Parkrunner, I decided to try c25k to prove to her (and myself) that I really couldnt run.. then found out I might be able to. I was slow and avoided hills, but secretly ran the Reigate Priory parkrun just in case I didnt make it round. I've now just run my 100th parkrun, covering 32 locations, 2 countries (UK and NZ).. also volunteered 34 times (mostly at Junior parkrun.. helping the next generation of Parkrunners) completely hooked. Parkrun is amazing.
I wish we had Parkruns in the US. I guess they exist but definitely not around here. I think they would make a great introduction to racing and getting people into a fun / social event. I think a lot of runners are intimidated by races -- assuming they'll be embarrassed by their athletic skills. I know running and racing has positively affected my life and the people I've met through running are friends that will last a lifetime. Enjoyable video.
There are quite a lot of parkruns in the US, but obviously they’re a lot more spread out than they are on our little island. I really hope you can get to one one day, they’re so wonderful
I just discovered the only ParkRun in California is just a 20 minute drive from my house in Palo Alto. My daughter and I have run in them the last two weekends. We love it!
I started my park run journey in September 2015 and can honestly say that I’ve never looked back, I’m raring to go on a Saturday morning to run the Newcastle Town Moor Park run.
So good TRC!!! Love parkrun. It’s so important to my physical and mental health. I started last year. Thought I’d never speak to anyone. Now I know loads of people and run together on other days. Thanks for profiling parkrun!
My Parkrun journey started almost 5 years ago. I was in a bad place, had picked up so much weight and needed a healthy distraction. Now sitting on 84 Parkruns, with 18 of them being tourist runs. 83 done in South Africa and 1 run in Swakopmund, Namibia. I'm trying to do the alphabet Parkrun challenge which takes a bit of planning. The whole family is now involved too!
I've been a parkrunner for 8 years, doing 281 runs at 39 different events plus 43 volunteering stints. It's great because you can do it in any way you want: blast it, jog round leisurely or just have a natter with other people :) Apparently there's a parkrun in Great Yarmouth (nearly all on sand) which is even tougher than Woolacombe Dunes, but it's still one which I'd love to try one day. Please tell me the Running Channel will be there when our intrepid runners do their challenge!
I love Parkrun. It's just such a great concept, and I had no idea how it was going to work, even as a veteran of other races, but I'm 100% sold. The community is just so uniformly positive. I don't live near a Parkrun, but whenever I'm in the UK on a Saturday morning, I make a point of getting one in. Love it.
I always love a video about Parkrun! Ever since lockdown ended, I’ve been doing it whenever I can. The social aspect is wonderful, and volunteering is very enjoyable as everyone is always happy. There’s the sense of achievement it brings too: I’m currently working on Parkrun tourism and trying to get to 20 different locations by the end of the year (have done 6 so far).
ParkRun is a movement in my eyes. I LOVE ❤️ them. I’ve set myself a goal of running all of the East of England events which will keep me focused on training for ages!
Healthy, happy and heroic, that's the beauty of the Running Channel. Gee, a perspective on the common runner by two delightful RC regulars. Wish we had Parkrun in the states.
I am American and quite envious of park run. Looks like a lovely concept. Am planning a trip to the UK whenever things become normal for travel and will have to come join one when I'm there.
There are some in N. America- I ran parkrun in Washington DC - that's a nice course. The UK is spoilt for choice though. Make sure to bring some cash for coffee & cake afterwards. Even if you ate alone, its easy to chat to people
I started much in the same way back in 2017 in Sofia, Bulgaria, where the organisers also arrange what the call XL run - basically a trail 5, 10, 15k (1, 2, 3 loops) to raise some money to keep going. They have timekeeping, an app we've been using to record virtual runs ever since the pandemic and a very nice community that has recently spawned events in lots of satellite cities around the country.
A wonderful TRC episode. I just love my parkrun as well. It's a huge part of my life and I so much look forward to Sat mornings. I'm now looking forward to part 2 at Woolacombe Downs.
Love parkrun and I am totally addicted to doing it every week. Been doing it for 4 years and I have run 107 parkruns and volunteered 66 times at parkrun and Junior parkrun. I have made so many new friends and it has encouraged me to join a running club and enter some races. And parkrun is FREE!! What other activity provides such fun and is good for your mental and physical well being? I would recommend parkrun to anyone.
Thank you for another amazing and heartwarming video ❤️! I can't run at the moment due to a sprained ankle and that makes me feel kinda sad but these three lovely people put a smile on my face today.. thank you 😊
I love Parkrun but Im often the timekeeper rather than running. I love the business end of it all. Seeing all the runners and walkers enjoy themselves. And then of course the brunch afterwards. 😍
What a fabulous video! I love parkrun and identify with the positive experiences the featured participants talked about. Seeing Brueton again brings back found memories of a weekend visiting good friends and managing my 5km PB at that wonderful venue. I had planned to do Woolacombe Dunes last July, but parkrun was delayed again so I missed an event there; nevertheless, I was undeterred and did the course as a freedom run instead! Can't wait to see how you all get on there. I love the rich variety of content on your channel and seeing parkrun is the icing on the cake!
I’ve had a man enforced break from parkrun this week (having tested positive for Covid a couple of days ago), and I really missed it this morning. This video made me smile though. ❤️ parkrun!
Any endeavour that helps people feel better about themselves, improves their physical & mental health, & helps them cope with life a little easier, is certainly extremely worthwhile. Parkrun ticks all those boxes for me…..with or without course & gender records.
There are not a lot of parkruns in Canada yet, would love to have one in Moncton. And if I go to the UK, parkruns will certainly be on my must list. Thank you for this insight and please keep it going 👍
Can't wait to see them do their challenge! I love everything about Parkrun, (big shout out to Humber Bridge Parkrun) it is just such a special and inclusive event.
Great to see Running Channel visiting one of my local parkruns at Brueton park which i have ran at 40 times and 263 parkruns at 20plus different venues in total ..doesn't matter which one you go to the welcome and atmosphere is always fantastic 🙂
I’ve always wanted to do Woolacombe dunes Parkrun! It looks so unique and fun but also a great workout on that sand. Too bad it’s too far away. Some say it’s been overtaken as the toughest by a relatively new event Great Yarmouth Beach Parkrun which is only an hour away for me and I tell you, it’s incredibly tough! But I think the views and scenery are far better at Woolacombe even though I have never been, I hope everyone involved can enjoy.
So glad it returned. Did my first at glossop on July 24th last year. Was the thing I was most looking forward to after finishing c25k a few months earlier.
Parkrun sets up your Saturday nicely. In NSW the norm is for 8am starts so by 9am you're on your way home for brekkie. In Qld they start earlier at 7am - somewhat challenging wakeup wise but you're set for the day once you've met your fellow parkrunners and had a pleasant walk or run.
Going away this weekend and already been searching for the nearest Parkrun to where we are staying! I usually work Saturdays so whenever I have one off I’ve got to make the most of it 😂
so jealous... I have to drive almost 2 hours to my nearest Parkrun. Have been trying to get my local running club interested in setting one up, but they already have their own Saturday morning run club
Since having my daughter I've gone back to parkrun as a buggy runner. We both love it, although I do find buggy running much harder than muggle running!
@@runningchannel I have an Out and About Nipper Sport. It's fantastic, the suspension is great so bubs is comfortable even on trail runs. If you guys can borrow some buggies/children it would make a great challenge!
Started at 75, now 76, still alive after 9 months.... Always hated running, just a check to find out how fast I walked. Now I am jogging round, doh :-)
What got me into running at a parkrun event is that I wanted to take up running as a full-time sport and able to run at my own pace. Also I could not get to such running events as they are to far away and I have to do special training for such running events. Just today I ran my 20th parkrun.
I literally ran Woolacombe beach on a holiday training for a half marathon not even knowing there was a park run there I’d love to try it properly on the dunes with everyone 🤗
Oooh video idea!!! "You might be a marathon runner if..." Hahaha if you think a 5k is a short distance 😅 If your shoes are a conversation piece in your home 😅 If all you want to talk about was your last race...or the next one!
I started park run and ping the couch to 5k I literally have just ran 20 minutes for the first time today, I just love the challenge I want to get under 30 minutes
Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor is the hardest on the island of Ireland, but a really beautiful one worthy of any bucket list. And.... what goes up must come down 😂 the last 800 metres is all flying downhill.
The Parkruns in Singapore are suspended as of now due to Covid restrictions. I hope they start soon. I miss my days of monthly long runs in Mumbai with Mumbai Road Runners group.
I did Woolacombe Dunes last weekend as Woolacombe is where I'm doing my first half marathon in June 😬 it was tough but so beautiful! Just don't do what I did and end up on your bottom when running down a dune 🤣
I love parkrun and it has developed me into a strong, competitive and county runner! Unfortunately though, I received a stress fracture following last week's parkrun and now have to recover for 2-3 weeks; I guess that's the life of a runner…
I’ve had this myself - it lasted a bit longer than that. Be very careful returning to running, do it under a Physio’s advice. Cross training on a turbo trainer will really help keep your fitness up whilst you can’t run. Hope you liked the video.
@@cardiff_dave it seems to be only a hairline fracture, so that's why the consultant and my physio said “light training in 2-3 weeks”. However, of course I will only do this if there's no pain whatsoever, and will make sure it's light. Thanks for the support though and great advice!
Parkrun is now iconic and worldwide 🌍 admittedly my local parkrun is one of the hardest in the uk .... Wepre 😂 definitely should give it a go the running channel💦 How about a series rating each Parkrun course 🏃🏃🏃
Woof! That might be a bit of a challenge but we did do a video on the hardest parkrun courses a few years ago that you might enjoy. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-gljdVHt9WAY.html