More than 19 years after parkrun was founded by a former Zimbabwean in London, England, this “free, for everyone, forever” 5 km event for walkers, runners and volunteers takes place at more than 2 000 locations in 22 countries.
Founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt, who had gone to boarding school in Potchefstroom, was a club runner, but due to an injury he became unable to compete.
Since he wanted to continue spending time with his running friends, he presented the first parkrun in October 2004 at Bushy Park in London.
It became a global organisation, and was introduced in 2011 into South Africa by Bruce Fordyce, quickly gaining popularity.
At the end of October parkrun South Africa announced its collaboration with the National Department of Health (DOH) after the department had identified parkrun as a fitting organisation to promote its healthy lifestyle campaign.
The DOH will encourage South Africans to participate in parkruns and, through healthy lifestyles and exercise, combat many non-communicable diseases.
Previously an exercise physiologist and running coach, Jason Karp says, “Everyone thinks the marathon is the Holy Grail, when a lot of people should really be doing the 5K.”
Here are ten reasons why the 5 km distance could be considered to be perfect:
It is ideal for new beginners
If you are new to exercise, the 5 km distance will be challenging, but achievable over time, especially if you incorporate walking into your parkrun. Also, you never need to worry about finishing last at a parkrun, as there will always be a tail walker who is the last person to go through the finish funnel at every parkrun.
You feel amazing
To finishing a 5 km run or walk is an exhilarating feeling, and afterwards you feel fully alive, with endorphins pumping in the body.
Overall health benefits are on offer
Amongst other things, the physical movement improves cardiovascular health, lowers cholesterol, reduces stress, and improves mental health.
It is time efficient
In our busy lives, a 5 km parkrun is an efficient way of fitting some movement into your week.
It is for the whole family
If you have small children, put them into a suitable buggy and give them a ride around the parkrun course. When they are a little older, they can walk, run or jog.
You can try again next week
Not feeling great this week? Disappointed with your time? Do you have other plans? There is always next time. With parkruns taking place every Saturday of the year, there is always another chance to take part again soon.
You can track your progress and join the milestone clubs
With parkrun you can track your results over time. Everytime you take part and use your barcode, you are one parkrun closer to joining the milestone or volunteer milestone club.
It is easy to incorporate into other training
The 5 km distance is a complement for other forms of training, helping to form a well-rounded exercise plan. If you are training for longer distances, a parkrun can fit into a more comprehensive training plan as a speed session, or if you run to and from the parkrun, as part of a longer training run, with your parkrun potentially forming a small increase of pace in the middle.
It is perfect for those who want to walk
Age and ability are no barriers at parkrun. If you want to walk 5 km in the company of others, parkrun is the place for you.
A parkrun is simple to organise
The parkrun model, with events taking place each week, organised by volunteers, means it is crucial that parkruns are easy to organise. The course is easy to set up and take down each week.
