Parkrun celebrates its 20th anniversary, as new research highlights the positive effects of the event on community health and wellbeing

Parkrun, marking its 20th anniversary provides free, timed 5km events every Saturday morning. With 900 locations in the UK, the charity offers a fantastic opportunity to build and strengthen community connections while enjoying physical activity in green spaces. Individuals can walk, jog, run, volunteer or simply spectate, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of fitness level.

Research from Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield followed new parkrunners over six months and found that life satisfaction improved after just two parkruns, especially for those who were the least active before joining. 73% of parkrunners reported improvements in their mental health, and 89% said their physical health had improved from participating, leading to an overall better quality of life. Volunteering for parkrun also had incredible results with 84% of volunteers reporting an improvement in their happiness.

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Learn more about the power of exercise for mental health and wellbeing.

Building on the positive health outcomes, parkrun also plays a role in creating community connections. By bringing together individuals of all ages and fitness levels, the event creates a welcoming environment where participants can connect, share experiences, and support one another. This sense of community is particularly important for those who may feel isolated or disconnected.

Professor Haake emphasised the impact of parkrun, recalling the story of an individual with depression who would have "bad thoughts" on the way to the event but felt a sense of relief after participating. He also noted that many people have formed meaningful relationships through parkrun, with some even meeting their life partners there. He mentioned older individuals who, having lost their partners, now enjoy meeting their grandchildren at parkrun, calling it the highlight of their week.

Beyond health and community, parkrun also supports environmental wellbeing. Bringing people together in local parks and green spaces helps to promote greater appreciation for nature and encourages participants to care for their surroundings. Many parkrun events include clean-up initiatives, helping to promote a a sense of responsibility for the environment among participants.

Chrissie Wellington, parkrun UK’s head of health and wellbeing said: “Taking part in parkrun as a walker, runner or volunteer is incredibly beneficial to health and wellbeing, and this research shines a light on the monetary value of those wide-ranging benefits. With about 19,000 new parkrunners registering every week in the UK, we continue to expand our reach and impact, including to the UK economy. It is arguably the most impactful physical activity initiative the UK has seen in the last two decades.”

Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, make new friends, or simply enjoy the outdoors, find out more about how you can get involved by visiting the parkrun website to locate your nearest event.