“I began running at parkrun for health reasons, to help manage a Bipolar Disorder mental health condition. I’m 44 now and received my diagnosis of this condition when I was 21 parkrun means a huge amount to me in managing my mental wellbeing, improving my overall fitness and the chance it provided to meet a great group of people at parkruns… and to enjoy the whole experience!”

Paul Chatterton

“Running and parkrun have helped me lose weight and be healthier, and it’s helped me make friends. It’s something that is always worth the 8:00am alarm every Saturday morning. parkrun provides you with that sense of community in a time where people don’t know their neighbours like they used to. Even now I always get the same rush of adrenaline just before parkrun, because I know there are all these people here doing the same thing. It leaves you feeling warm and excited.”

Erin Turner-Walton

“My first parkrun took me 38 minutes, I was thrilled getting my results text, and I was hooked straight away.

I have now lost 11.5 stone and gone from a sedentary lifestyle to running my first full marathon – my life has totally changed thanks to parkrun.”

Gail Tennant

“In the past I have struggled with alcohol issues and post-traumatic stress disorder.

I’m now a Run Director at parkrun, and running and volunteering have played a big part in my recovery and my fitness.”

Ian Young