parkrun could be one of your brain healthy habits

Everyone at parkrun is hugely excited about our planned reopening. Though it’s disappointing to not to be able to return on 5 June as we had hoped, we will do everything we can to ensure events restart on 26 June.

From our beginnings at Bushy Park in 2004, parkrun has seen phenomenal growth with over 4million registered parkrunners in the UK and over 700 5k events, plus over 1,200 more around the world. Our events have impacted millions of people in a range of incredibly positive ways, so it left a huge hole in people’s lives when all events were cancelled in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have worked hard to keep parkrunners motivated, engaged and healthy during the pandemic, for example through our blog content, introducing (not) parkrun and launching a walking programme, Strive for Five. But now we are thrilled to hopefully be getting back to what we do best – providing free, weekly 5k events for everyone no matter who they are no matter where they live and what their background is.

Chrissie taking on Ashton Court parkrun

We are proud to have Alzheimer’s Research UK as our official charity partner and, when we were first told about their fantastic Think Brain Health campaign, we were delighted to get on board because it aligns perfectly with parkun’s mission – to create a healthier and happier planet.

Dementia is one of the world’s biggest health challenges, and causes deep anguish and heartbreak for so many families. However, we also know from countless people with dementia and their loved ones what a wonderful impact participation in parkrun had had on them and this campaign can play a vital role in continuing to raise awareness and empower people to take care of their brain and overall health.

We are excited to see the success of the Think Brain Health campaign since its launch earlier this year and proud that parkrun has played a role in shaping it. For example, Billericay parkrunners took part in focus groups for the campaign back in February 2020.

Everyone welcome

If you are a parkrunner, then you will know all about the benefits of parkrun and we look forward to welcoming you back. And if you’ve not done a parkrun before, then we’d love to welcome you to an event to walk, to run, to volunteer or to simply come along and watch.

parkrun is not a race, there is no time limit and no one finishes last – the volunteer Tail Walker is always the final person to cross the line. Plus, there is another part of parkrun that makes it so special – and that’s the social side. parkrun events are welcoming and friendly and can help play a big role helping you to be and stay connected with others in your community.

There’s no better place to make new friends and have lots of opportunities to talk, laugh, support people and share experiences. After so long living in a world where being apart has become normal, this is more important than ever.

If you’re thinking of joining us once events restart, you can register here. It’s completely free and you only need to register once. Simply complete the registration form, print your barcode and head down to your local event.

And please keep up to date with our social channels, website and email communications, for the most recent updates.

We hope you will consider making parkrun one of your brain healthy habits!