Daniel Morris explores the fitness phenomenon that has become a saturday morning ritual for millions of people across the globe It’s a fitness and wellbeing phenomenon enjoyed by thousands across the country on a weekly basis, and there’s nowhere that it can be enjoyed more than in Shropshire.
Having recently celebrated its global 22nd birthday, parkrun is a free, community event where, on a Saturday morning, participants walk, jog or run a 5km route in almost 1,500 tranquil UK locations.
Supported by spectators and volunteers, parkrunners are encouraged to take things at their own pace, with an emphasis placed on the mental benefits of serene outdoor spaces as well as the physical benefits of exercise.
Popular with runners and walkers from the ages of eight to 80, parkrun is positive, welcoming and inclusive, with a core ethos that there is no time limit and no one finishes last.
A perfectly picturesque backdrop for a bit of social Saturday stretching of the muscles, Shropshire plays host to numerous regular parkruns – the longest established being Telford’s.
Set up back in 2013, Telford parkrun brings a plethora of enthusiasts to Telford Town Park each week, and over 13 years director Kim Fawke has watched the event’s popularity bloom.
“My favourite thing about parkrun is the inclusivity of the event,” she said. “It really can be for everyone whether you run, walk or volunteer. There’s a real community spirit.
“The first parkrun we did was special. We had no idea how much it would grow and become such a community. The cutting of the ribbon made it feel like something special had been started.”
For Kim, parkrun’s appeal is very straightforward.
“It is a simple way of bringing people together from all walks of life,” she said. “It helps with mental health and physical fitness and it is easy to participate in.”
Indeed, Kim has been privileged to have met many extraordinary individuals whose enthusiasm for parkrun has matched her own, including a particularly special octogenarian.
“Our parkrunner, Jim, who was a massive part of our community, attended every week without fail, to the point of he didn’t turn up, people would ask us to find out if he was ok,” she said. “He celebrated his 80th birthday with us, and asked if he could provide ‘some cakes’. I never expected a bakery truck, full to overflowing with sweet treats!
“To the time when he announced he had cancer, and it was just a matter of time, he would still attend when he was well enough and sit on the tree stump near to the amphitheatre to encourage everyone who was taking part.”
As Kim relates, parkrun’s volunteers are a keystone of each event, and many of those at Telford have proved nothing less than inspirational.
“Oliver Munday became a regular volunteer with us despite his autism and learning difficulties,” she said. “He became known by many with his cow bell, shouting enthusiastically at everyone that he saw, including the dogs! He has since moved up to Yorkshire, and hopefully will continue his volunteering up there. We put his name on one of our high-vis tops that he could keep as a reminder of his parkrun family in Telford.”
Family seems to be a word central to the spirit of parkrun, with relations, friends, and community groups using it as a way to bond and also celebrate.
Earlier this year, a Shrewsbury support group for people affected by cancer celebrated its fifth birthday with a special parkrun gathering.
Twenty-eight members of 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer met at Shrewsbury’s parkrun – held in The Quarry – in August.
5k Your Way supports people living with or beyond cancer, as well as their friends, family and supporters.
The group highlights the benefits of movement and exercise for people affected by cancer, including helping to manage some of the side effects of treatment and supporting mental wellbeing.
There are more than 100 5k Your Way groups across the country, and on the date in question, the Shrewsbury group joined nearly 700 other people taking part in the town’s parkrun.
They were also supported by Mayor Bernie Bentick, who completed the course wearing his mayoral chain.
The group says it is not a running club but a support group with a difference, and welcomes anyone affected by cancer who would like encouragement to get moving.
This is only one example of how parkrun is utilised to support wellbeing at a higher level, and shines a spotlight on how truly important it has become to many people.
As Kim reflects, the team at Telford certainly noticed a vacuum when the pandemic forced the event’s suspension, and the joy when it returned was palpable.
“It made us all realise how much we missed it,” she said.
Indeed, for many, this joy has now become part of the festive routine, with scores of enthusiastic parkrunners even gathering on Christmas Day to take part.
“Not everyone enjoys or celebrates Christmas,” said Kim. “But seeing everyone together on Christmas Day morning is quite magical.”
For Kim of course, parkrun is not just for Christmas, it is for life, and her commitment – having been involved in Telford’s parkrun from its inception – has been rightly acknowledged and celebrated.
“I was overwhelmed by the number of people that turned out to say thank you and celebrate my volunteer 500 milestone,” she said. “[Telford MP] Shaun Davies presented me with a special 500 milestone top signed by Dame Kelly Holmes.”
Naturally there are many people across the county who have never dipped their toe in the parkrun pool. To them, Kim’s message is simple.
“They have nothing to lose and everything to gain, whether that be friendship, fitness, community spirit or just feeling part of something,” she said.
“Our volunteers make the event a welcoming place that you just want to come back to.”
Here’s to both health and happiness while enjoying some of the most beautiful surroundings in the country.
