Parkrun

Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5K event held every Saturday morning in parks worldwide. Founded in 2004 by Paul Sinton-Hewitt in Bushy Park, London, it has grown to over 2,300 locations across 22 countries with millions of registered participants.

The format is simple: show up, run (or walk) 5K, get a time. There's no registration fee, no competition pressure, and everyone from first-time joggers to sub-16-minute runners participates side by side. Volunteers scan your barcode at the finish, and results are posted online within hours.

Parkrun has become a gateway to running for millions of people. The welcoming, no-pressure environment makes it accessible to complete beginners, while the weekly timing provides a natural benchmark for experienced runners tracking fitness. Many running careers begin at parkrun, and the community aspect — coffee after the run, recognizing regulars, celebrating milestones — keeps people coming back.

Register online and print your barcode before your first visit — you need it for timing

Arrive 10 minutes early — there's usually a first-timer briefing and community warmup

Volunteer! Parkrun needs marshals, timers, barcode scanners — it's a great way to give back

Use parkrun as a free, low-pressure way to test fitness, practice race-day routine, or just enjoy community running