Why Parkrun Is the Best Way to Start Running in the UK
My first parkrun was genuinely terrifying. I stood at the back of 300 strangers in a muddy park at 9am on a Saturday, convinced everyone would be faster than me and that I would embarrass myself. I finished in 32 minutes, red-faced and wheezing, and felt better than I had in months. Three years later, I have done over 100 parkruns, knocked 10 minutes off my time, and made friends I now run with every week. It all started with showing up once.
What Is Parkrun?
Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5K run held every Saturday morning at 9am in parks across the UK and in over 20 countries worldwide. There are now over 2,000 parkrun events globally, with hundreds in the UK alone. It is organised entirely by volunteers, and all you need to take part is to register once online and bring a printed barcode. It is not a race — it is a timed run. You can run, jog, walk, or push a buggy. Nobody cares how fast you are.
Why It Works for New Runners
It removes every barrier. It is free. You do not need any special kit. You do not need to sign up for a specific event — just show up any Saturday you fancy. You do not need to be fit. The tail walker ensures nobody finishes last, because someone is always behind you by design.
The community is genuinely welcoming. I have never been to a parkrun where people were not friendly and encouraging. First-timers are often called out for a cheer at the briefing. Volunteers high-five you as you finish. The atmosphere is supportive in a way that competitive races often are not.
It gives you a benchmark. Your time is recorded each week, so you can track your improvement without any pressure. Seeing your 5K time drop from 35 minutes to 30 minutes to 25 minutes over the course of a year is incredibly motivating.
It builds a habit. Having a set time and place to run each week creates consistency, which is the single most important factor in improving as a runner. Saturday 9am becomes non-negotiable, and everything else follows from there.
How to Do Your First Parkrun
- Register at parkrun.org.uk — it takes two minutes and you only need to do it once.
- Print your barcode — or save it to your phone. You scan this after finishing to get your time.
- Find your local parkrun — the website has a map of every event. Aim for one within easy driving or walking distance so there is no excuse not to go.
- Arrive by 8:50am — there is a briefing at 8:55am where the run director covers the course and welcomes first-timers.
- Start at the back — there is no pressure to be at the front. Walk if you need to. Nobody is judging you.
- Scan your barcode at the finish — a volunteer will scan it and your time appears on the parkrun website later that morning.
What Kit Do You Need?
Honestly, almost nothing. A pair of trainers (they do not need to be running shoes), comfortable clothes you can move in, and your barcode. That is it. As you get more into it, you might invest in proper running shoes, a GPS watch, and moisture-wicking clothing, but none of that is necessary to start. I did my first three months in old gym trainers and a cotton t-shirt.
Beyond Your First Parkrun
Parkrun has a way of pulling you into the wider running world. After a few months of regular 5Ks, you start thinking about 10K events, then half marathons, then before you know it you are discussing marathon training plans at breakfast. The parkrun community is also a natural source of running partners and local club recommendations.
There is also parkrun tourism — visiting different events around the country or even abroad. Some runners collect events like stamps in a passport. The Bushy Park parkrun in London, where it all started in 2004, regularly attracts over 1,000 runners and is worth a visit.
Parkrun changed my relationship with running, my fitness, and my Saturday mornings. If you have been thinking about starting to run, just register and show up this Saturday. You have nothing to lose and a whole community to gain.
