Please select a country from the menu opposite to find out more information.
Australia
Our goal is for there to be a parkrun everywhere in Australia where someone would like one.
We’re not so interested in our events being large. Instead our vision is to have lots of small events across many small communities, each providing a free-to-attend opportunity to engage with physical activity in a supportive environment.
Already operating in hundreds of locations around the globe, we understand that parkrun is about so much more than a free, weekly, timed 5km run. It’s about friendships, families and bringing people together to help one another achieve sustainable and healthy changes to their lifestyle.
Setting up an event: things to think about
As we grow, the challenge of helping local governments, health services and owners of open spaces understand the benefits of parkrun is becoming easier. However in places it can still be a challenge.
The key to starting any parkrun is to find the right person to lead that event as a local volunteer, to champion its benefits to their community and to slowly but surely build a strong volunteer team to deliver the event going forwards. We will support that person, however it’s important to remember that each of our events must be driven by a core team of committed and passionate parkrun volunteers.
parkrun Australia is a not-for-profit Incorporated Association and is supported financially by our national sponsors. However, to survive financially we do look for local councils, other community organisations and small business to contribute towards the establishment and ongoing maintenance of an event in their area.
The time it takes to set up a parkrun event can vary significantly – it depends on the specific challenge of your location. Typically it takes around three to six months from start to finish. We never rush a team to get started and always wait for you to feel ready, properly trained and confident that you’re fully prepared.
Finally, you must be prepared for parkrun to change your life! Starting an event is the most amazing journey. Please don’t take our word for it, either – feel free to contact any of our event teams around Australia (their direct email is on their specific web page) and ask for their thoughts and insights around what it means to join the parkrun family.
Österreich
Wir würden es toll finden, wenn überall in Österreich parkrun Lauf-Veranstaltungen stattfinden könnten, wo sich Menschen dafür interessieren.
Große Veranstaltungen und viel Aufwand ist nicht unser Ding. Was uns stattdessen vorschwebt: Jede Menge kleine Veranstaltungen in vielen kleinen Gemeinschaften und Gruppierungen. Und kostenlose Teilnahme für alle, die sich sportlich betätigen wollen.
parkrun gibt es bereits in 23 Ländern auf 5 Kontinenten. Und parkrun ist viel mehr als eine kostenlose, wöchentliche Lauf-Veranstaltung. Es geht um Freundschaft, um Familie und darum, sich gegenseitig dabei zu helfen, zu einer gesünderen, nachhaltigeren Lebensweise zu kommen.
Ob Läufer, Jogger, Walker; ob Einsteiger oder Fortgeschritten: Alle sind willkommen – unabhängig von Geschlecht und Alter. Unser Fokus liegt auf gemeinsamer, sportlicher Aktivität, und wir laden alle zur Teilnahme ein. Die Laufergebnisse werden zwar in zeitlicher Reihenfolge dargestellt, aber es gibt aber weder Medaillen noch Urkunden. Und wer zuerst ankommt, heißt bei uns nicht „Sieger“ sondern „Erster im Ziel“.
Einen parkrun veranstalten – dazu ein paar Tipps
Um erfolgreich parkrun-Veranstaltungen durchzuführen, braucht man ein engagiertes Team von Freiwilligen vor Ort. Solche Teams unterstützen wir nach Kräften bei allen auftauchenden Fragen, unter anderem mit unserem bewährten IT-Service. Aber die konkrete Veranstaltungsorganisation liegt immer beim jeweiligen Team vor Ort.
Wie lange die Organisation einer parkrun-Veranstaltung dauert, hängt sehr von den jeweiligen örtlichen Gegebenheiten ab. Ein Zeitraum zwischen drei und sechs Monaten ist ganz normal. Wir drängen niemals ein Team dazu, möglichst schnell an den Start zu gehen, sondern lassen ihm Zeit, bis sich optimal dazu vorbereitet fühlt, den ersten parkrun zu starten.
Übrigens: Wundere dich nicht, wenn parkrun dein Leben verändert! Eine parkrun-Veranstaltung zu starten, kann der Beginn einer sehr ereignisreichen Reise sein. Du wirst spüren, wie fantastisch es ist, zur weltweiten parkrun-Familie zu gehören.
Danke, dass du dir die Zeit zum Lesen genommen hast. Wenn du interessiert bist, eine parkrun-Lauf-Veranstaltung in deiner Stadt oder deinem Ort auszurichten, dann freuen wir uns, wenn du uns per Mail-Formular kontaktest.
Canada
Here in Canada we have a goal that there will be a parkrun in every village, town or city that wants one. We’re really passionate about this – we believe it’s everyone’s right to get up on a Saturday and run in a 5km timed event without paying for the pleasure.
The single most important thing we need now is for individuals to come forward and lead the charge to bring a parkrun to their neighborhood. If you think that could be you then definitely get in touch: we’ll work with you to provide all the know-how you need to make an event a possibility – from helping to establish a course to the creation of a team of volunteers.
Danmark
parkruns vision er at skabe en gladere og sundere verden. Her kan du se, hvordan du kan blive en del af denne vision.
Udfyld formularen, hvis du gerne vil være med til at etablere et parkrun, hvor du bor. Lige nu er der ingen omkostninger ved at starte et parkrun i Danmark, da parkrun afholder alle startomkostninger.
parkrun vil hjælpe dig igennem hele startfasen. Vi hjælper med rådgivning om hvad der er en god rute, kontakt til kommune/politi/lodsejer mv. mhp. at opnå tilladelse til at gennemføre løbet, etablering af et frivilligt hold mv. parkrun rådgiver også gerne om, hvordan du kan inspirere andre til at deltage.
Så udfyld skemaet idag. Vi vil gerne starte flere parkruns i Danmark, og vi har muligvis allerede nogen i dit lokalområder, der arbejder på at etablere et parkrun, som vi kan sætte dig i kontakt med.
Vi ser frem til at høre fra dig.
#loveparkrun
Finland
parkrunin tarkoituksena on luoda onnellisempi ja terveellisempi maailma, ja nyt myös sinä voit olla mukana tässä.
Täytä lomake ja kerro meille ajatuksestasi tapahtuman perustamiseen kotipaikkakunnallesi. Tällä hetkellä parkrun-tapahtuman perustaminen Suomessa ei maksa mitään, sillä parkrun-organisaatio auttaa uuteen tapahtumaan liittyvissä kustannuksissa.
Olemme tukenasi ja apunasi koko prosessin läpiviemisessä – annamme ohjeita siihen millainen olisi hyvä reitti ja autamme teitä luomaan vapaaehtoistiimin, jotta saatte tapahtuman pystyyn ja käyntiin. Tiedämme, että tätä ei pysty tekemään yksin, joten tulemme antamaan ohjeita ja vinkkejä siitä miten saat innostettua muitakin tulemaan mukaan tiimiisi.
Ota jo tänään yhteyttä, niin aloitetaan prosessi, jossa tulemme luomaan todella mahtavan ja ilmaisen tapahtuman koko yhteisön käyttöön. Odotamme innoissamme yhteydenottoa.
#loveparkrun
parkrun’s aim is to create a happy and healthier world, and here’s how you can be a part of this!
Fill in the form and let us know what your ideas are about creating an event where you live. Just now starting up a parkrun event in Finland won’t cost you anything as parkrun are helping to support the cost of setting up new events.
We will be here to help you take you through the process – giving you advice about what makes a suitable course and helping you to create a volunteer team to get your event up and running. We know that you can’t do this alone, so we will give you some practical advice about how to inspire others to join your team.
So get in touch today and start the process of creating an amazing free event for your local community! We look forward to hearing from you.
#loveparkrun
France
Nous pensons que tout le monde devrait avoir la possibilité de se lever le samedi matin pour pouvoir participer à un footing convivial de 5 km sans avoir à payer quoi que ce soit, et pour le plaisir. Voilà pourquoi la mission de parkrun France est d’encourager les villes, communes et les petites collectivités locales à adopter la philosophie de parkrun et rejoindre cette fantastique communauté du monde du running.
Nous ne sommes pas tellement intéressés par le nombre de participants. Notre vision est plus qu’il y ait beaucoup de petits footings parkrun dans de nombreuses villes, chacun fournissant une opportunité à chacun de s’engager dans une activité physique, dans un environnement simple et accueillant.
Alors, de quoi avons-nous besoin?
Pour commencer, la chose absolument nécessaire est que le premier pas soit fait par des personnes engagés et enthousiastes, prenant ainsi l’initiative de lancer un parkrun près de chez eux. Nous nous engageons à travailler avec eux pour fournir tout le savoir-faire nécessaire pour créer un footing parkrun : de la création du parcours, à la mise en place de l’équipe de bénévoles.
La bonne nouvelle, c’est que lorsque les autorités locales et du parc comprennent la nature de parkrun et les bénéfices en matière de santé et d’entretien physique, ils sont généralement disposés à aider de nouveaux footings à se concrétiser.
Enfin, préparez-vous à ce que parkrun change votre vie – mais seulement dans le positif – alors n’hésitez pas à nous contacter si vous souhaitez vous lancer dans cette aventure!
Deutschland
Wir würden es toll finden, wenn überall in Deutschland parkrun Lauf-Veranstaltungen stattfinden könnten, wo sich Menschen dafür interessieren.
Große Veranstaltungen und viel Aufwand ist nicht unser Ding. Was uns stattdessen vorschwebt: Jede Menge kleine Veranstaltungen in vielen kleinen Gemeinschaften und Gruppierungen. Und kostenlose Teilnahme für alle, die sich sportlich betätigen wollen.
parkrun gibt es bereits in 23 Ländern auf 5 Kontinenten. Und parkrun ist viel mehr als eine kostenlose, wöchentliche Lauf-Veranstaltung. Es geht um Freundschaft, um Familie und darum, sich gegenseitig dabei zu helfen, zu einer gesünderen, nachhaltigeren Lebensweise zu kommen.
Ob Läufer, Jogger, Walker; ob Einsteiger oder Fortgeschritten: Alle sind willkommen – unabhängig von Geschlecht und Alter. Unser Fokus liegt auf gemeinsamer, sportlicher Aktivität, und wir laden alle zur Teilnahme ein. Die Laufergebnisse werden zwar in zeitlicher Reihenfolge dargestellt, aber es gibt aber weder Medaillen noch Urkunden. Und wer zuerst ankommt, heißt bei uns nicht „Sieger“ sondern „Erster im Ziel“.
Einen parkrun veranstalten – dazu ein paar Tipps
Um erfolgreich parkrun-Veranstaltungen durchzuführen, braucht man ein engagiertes Team von Freiwilligen vor Ort. Solche Teams unterstützen wir nach Kräften bei allen auftauchenden Fragen, unter anderem mit unserem bewährten IT-Service. Aber die konkrete Veranstaltungsorganisation liegt immer beim jeweiligen Team vor Ort.
Wie lange die Organisation einer parkrun-Veranstaltung dauert, hängt sehr von den jeweiligen örtlichen Gegebenheiten ab. Ein Zeitraum zwischen drei und sechs Monaten ist ganz normal. Wir drängen niemals ein Team dazu, möglichst schnell an den Start zu gehen, sondern lassen ihm Zeit, bis sich optimal dazu vorbereitet fühlt, den ersten parkrun zu starten.
Übrigens: Wundere dich nicht, wenn parkrun dein Leben verändert! Eine parkrun-Veranstaltung zu starten, kann der Beginn einer sehr ereignisreichen Reise sein. Du wirst spüren, wie fantastisch es ist, zur weltweiten parkrun-Familie zu gehören.
Danke, dass du dir die Zeit zum Lesen genommen hast. Wenn du interessiert bist, eine parkrun-Lauf-Veranstaltung in deiner Stadt oder deinem Ort auszurichten, dann freuen wir uns, wenn du uns per Mail-Formular kontaktest.
Ireland
Here in Ireland we have a goal that there will be a parkrun in every village, town or city that wants one. We’re really passionate about this – we believe it’s everyone’s right to get up on a Saturday and run in a 5km timed event without paying for the pleasure.
We’re working hard to get councils and parks authorities to understand the nature of parkrun.
We want them to understand that parkrun delivers all the health and fitness benefits that they also prescribe, and that parkrun addresses a host of other concerns by which their organisations are measured.
The good news is that this process is becoming easier as parkrun catches on.
So, what do we need now? The single most important thing we need is for individuals to come forward and lead the charge to bring a parkrun to their neighborhood. We’ll then work with these folks to provide all the know-how to make an event possible – from how to establish a course to creating a team of volunteers.
Could you be that individual? Then get on the phone.
Italia
Il nostro obiettivo è quello di portare un evento parkrun ovunque in Italia ci sia qualcuno che lo desideri.
Non ci interessa che i nostri eventi siano enormi. Piuttosto, preferiamo avere molti piccoli eventi sparsi in varie piccole comunità, ognuno in grado di offrire la possibilità di fare attività fisica gratuitamente in un ambiente sicuro e gradevole.
Ancora nella sua fase iniziale, parkrun Italia è già una realtà apprezzata da molti podisti, e non solo perché offre corse cronometrate di 5 km, gratuite e settimanali. Si tratta, infatti, essenzialmente di amicizia, di famiglia e di raccogliere gente insieme per aiutarsi vicendevolmente a raggiungere uno stile di vita più soddisfacente e salutare.
Corridori di qualsiasi livello sono i benvenuti, e viene posto l’accento sulla corsa per divertimento e sulla partecipazione crescente. Tenendo conto di questo, i risultati vengono presentati in base al tempo ottenuto, ma non sono previsti premi o medaglie in funzione della prestazione realizzata e la prima persona a passare la linea del traguardo viene definita ‘first finisher’ e non vincitore.
Organizzare un evento – cosa prendere in considerazione
Il fattore essenziale per creare un evento parkrun è la disponibilità di una persona a prendersi l’incarico di guidare il nuovo evento come volontario, di convincere la comunità locale dei benefici di parkrun e di costruire a poco a poco un gruppo di volontari decisi ed entusiasti per portare avanti l’evento. Da parte nostra daremo tutto il supporto necessario al team attraverso l’intero staff parkrun ed il nostro sistema consolidato di Information Technology. Tuttavia è importante ricordare che ogni nostro evento deve essere condotto essenzialmente da un gruppo di volontari locali convinti ed appassionati.
In Italia operiamo come una organizzazione indipendente no-profit che si regge sulla sponsorizzazione di aziende private che credono nei valori portati avanti da parkrun. Per sopravvivere da un punto di vista finanziario chiediamo anche ad enti locali di contribuire, facilitando la creazione di eventi nell’area di loro pertinenza.
Il tempo necessario per organizzare un evento parkrun può variare in modo significativo – dipende dalle varie difficoltà presenti nella vostra zona.
In genere ci vogliono dai tre ai sei mesi dall’inizio alla fine. Non mettiamo mai fretta ad un gruppo per sollecitarlo ad iniziare e aspettiamo sempre che gli organizzatori si sentano pronti, adeguatamente formati e sicuri di essere ben preparati
Infine, è necessario essere preparati a subire un cambiamento della propria vita a causa di parkrun! Iniziare un evento è il viaggio più incredibile che possa capitarvi. Ma non prendeteci in parola. Non esitate, piuttosto, a contattare uno dei nostri team che organizza un evento in Italia (trovate la loro e-mail sulla pagina web dell’evento) e chiedete il loro parere e cosa significhi aderire alla famiglia parkrun.
Grazie per il tempo che avete dedicato alla lettura di queste righe. Se siete interessati all’organizzazione di un parkrun dalle vostre parti allora contattateci compilando i campi qui accanto.
Japan
parkrunは、世界中で計時5キロのイベントを毎週無料で開催しています。コミュニティの人々は、ウォーキング、ランニング、ボランティアなどで参加できます。parkrunは、コミュニティの誰もが安全に気軽に参加できる健康的なレクリエーションへの機会を促進しています。私たちのミッションは、健康で幸せな世界を創ることです。
イベントの立ち上げ
ご近所にparkrunを立ち上げることに興味があり、これらの価値観に同感されますか。それは素晴らしいことです。どうぞ、このフォームからお問い合わせください。
Malaysia
Our goal is for there to be a parkrun everywhere in Malaysia where someone would like one.
We’re not so interested in our events being large. Instead our vision is to have lots of small events across many small communities, each providing a free-to-attend opportunity to engage with physical activity in a supportive environment.
Already operating in hundreds of locations around the globe, we understand that parkrun is about so much more than a free, weekly, timed 5km run. It’s about friendships, families and bringing people together to help one another achieve sustainable and healthy changes to their lifestyle.
Setting up an event: things to think about
As we grow, the challenge of helping local governments, health services and owners of open spaces understand the benefits of parkrun is becoming easier. However in places it can still be a challenge.
The key to starting any parkrun is to find the right person to lead that event as a local volunteer, to champion its benefits to their community and to slowly but surely build a strong volunteer team to deliver the event going forwards. We will support that person, however it’s important to remember that each of our events must be driven by a core team of committed and passionate parkrun volunteers.
The time it takes to set up a parkrun event can vary significantly – it depends on the specific challenge of your location. Typically it takes around three to six months from start to finish. We never rush a team to get started and always wait for you to feel ready, properly trained and confident that you’re fully prepared.
Finally, you must be prepared for parkrun to change your life! Starting an event is the most amazing journey. Please don’t take our word for it, either – feel free to contact any of our event teams around the Globe (their direct email is on their specific web page) and ask for their thoughts and insights around what it means to join the parkrun family.
Nederland
Het doel van parkrun is om samen aan een gezondere en gelukkiger wereld te bouwen, lees hier hoe jij daar aan kunt bijdragen!
Vul het formulier in en laat ons weten welke plannen je hebt om een parkrun in jouw eigen omgeving op te zetten.
Op dit moment kun je kosteloos een lokale parkrun opstarten in Nederland omdat de overkoepelende parkrun organisatie ondersteuning biedt bij de kosten voor het opstarten van nieuwe lokale parkruns.Wij staan voor je klaar om je te begeleiden tijdens het opstartproces -we geven je adviezen welk soort locaties geschikt zouden kunnen zijn (en hoe toestemming of een vergunning te krijgen van de persoon of instantie -bv een bedrijf, gemeente,provincie- welke het betreffende terrein in eigendom heeft).
Ook helpen je bij de zoektocht naar het vormen van een team vrijwilligers om jouw lokale parkrun van start te kunnen laten gaan. We begrijpen dat je zoiets niet in je eentje kunt bewerkstelligen dus hebben we praktsiche adviezen hoe je anderen kan inspireren en overtuigen om zich bij jouw vrijwilligersteam te voegen.
Dus..neem vandaag nog contact met ons op! Er is bij ons al door vele mensen belangstelling getoond voor het opzetten van parkruns in Nederland, dus wie weet kunnen we je in contact brengen met geïnteresseerden uit je eigen regio die net als jij ook aan de slag zouden willen gaan met parkrun.
We zien er naar uit iets van jou te verneme
#loveparkrun
parkrun’s aim is to create a happy and healthier world, and here’s how you can be a part of this!
Fill in the form and let us know what your ideas are about creating an event where you live. Just now starting up a parkrun event in the Netherlands won’t cost you anything as parkrun are helping to support the cost of setting up new events.
We will be here to help you take you through the process – giving you advice about what makes a suitable course (and how to get permission from the landowner for that course), and helping you to create a volunteer team to get your event up and running. We know that you can’t do this alone, so we will give you some practical advice about how to inspire others to join your team.
So get in touch today! We have had lots of interest in starting up events in The Netherlands, so we might also be able to put you in touch with others from your area who also want to get involved.
We look forward to hearing from you.
#loveparkrun
New Zealand
We believe that everyone should be able to get up on a Saturday morning and run in a 5km timed event without having to pay for the pleasure.
That’s why our mission is to encourage all our cities, towns and smaller communities to embrace the parkrun ethos and join this global running community.
So, what do we need?
Well, the single most important thing we need is for committed and enthusiastic individuals to come forward and lead the charge to bring a parkrun to their neighborhood. We’ll then work with them to provide all the know-how they need to make an event possible. Starting with help to establish a course to the creation of their team of volunteers.
The good news is that, once Councils and Park Authorities understand the nature of parkrun and how parkrun delivers health and fitness benefits, they’re generally willing to help new events come to fruition.
Setting up a parkrun does have a cost and parkrun New Zealand is currently supported by our national sponsor. However, to survive financially we do look for local councils, other community organisations and small business to contribute towards the establishment and ongoing maintenance of an event in their area.
Finally, you must be prepared for parkrun to change your life, but only in a positive way – get in touch if that could be you!
Norway
parkrun har som mål å skape en sunnere og lykkeligere verden, og her forklarer vi hvordan du kan bidra.
Fyll ut skjemaet og del dine tanker om det å starte opp et event der du bor. Akkurat nå er det ingen kostnader forbundet med oppstart av parkrun-eventer i Norge ettersom parkrun dekker kostnadene ved nye eventer.
Vi kommer til å hjelpe deg gjennom prosessen – gi deg råd om hva som utgjør en fornuftig løype og hjelpe deg å sette sammen et team med frivillige slik at du får eventet på bena. Vi vet at du ikke klarer å gjøre dette alene, så vi vil gi deg noen praktiske råd om hvordan du kan inspirere andre til å bli med på teamet.
Ta kontakt i dag, og begynn prosessen med å skape et utrolig gratis event for lokalsamfunnet! Vi gleder oss til å høre fra deg.
#loveparkrun
Polska
Celem parkrun Polska jest umożliwienie organizacji biegów wszędzie tam, gdzie będzie takie zapotrzebowanie bez względu na liczbę uczestników oraz wielkość miejscowości lub miasta. Pragniemy, aby idea parkrun służyła wszystkim; mieszkańcom zarówno dużych, jak i mniejszych ośrodków na terenie całej Polski. Wierzymy, że każdy ma prawo do uprawiania biegania bez konieczności ponoszenia kosztów związanych z udziałem w imprezach biegowych. Od roku 2011, kiedy rozpoczęliśmy organizację pierwszych edycji parkrun w Polsce, nasza inicjatywa spotkała się z zainteresowaniem ogromnej liczby biegaczy w różnych częściach kraju. Mamy nadzieję, że jej uniwersalność oraz dostępność sprawi, że w najbliższym czasie będziemy świadkami powstawania kolejnych miejsc, gdzie będzie można brać udział w parkrun.
Parkrun to bezpłatne, cykliczne biegi organizowane w każdą sobotę na dystansie 5km z pomiarem czasu otwarte dla każdego bez względu na biegowy staż czy też osiągane rezultaty. Do udziału w parkrun zapraszamy zarówno juniorów, jak i seniorów oraz całe rodziny. Mile widziani na trasach parkrun są biegacze z wózkami, czy też biegnący w towarzystwie czworonożnych pupili. Biegi parkrun zlokalizowane są w dostępnych częściach miast i miejscowości (często w parkach) na trasach, których pokonanie nie powinno sprawić nikomu problemu. Jeżeli zaczynasz swoją przygodę z bieganiem, parkrun jest doskonałym miejscem do postawienia pierwszych biegowych kroków.
Organizacja biegów parkrun opiera się na wsparciu biegów przez samych uczestników, którzy zapraszani są nie tylko do biegania, ale również pomocy w prowadzeniu biegów. Udział biegaczy w organizacji kolejnych edycji biegów sprawia, że parkrun to oddolna inicjatywa tworzona przez biegaczy dla biegaczy. Dzięki zaangażowaniu uczestników parkrun oferuje wspaniałą atmosferę oraz możlwość przynależności do szerszej społeczności ludzi aktywnych, kochających bieganie.
Jeżeli pragniesz włączyć się w niezwykłą inicjatywę jaką jest parkrun prosimy o wypełnienie oraz przesłanie formularza.
Singapore
Our goal is for there to be a parkrun everywhere in Singapore where someone would like one.
We’re not so interested in our events being large. Instead our vision is to have lots of small events across many small communities, each providing a free-to-attend opportunity to engage with physical activity in a supportive environment.
Already operating in hundreds of locations around the globe, we understand that parkrun is about so much more than a free, weekly, timed 5km run. It’s about friendships, families and bringing people together to help one another achieve sustainable and healthy changes to their lifestyle.
Setting up an event: things to think about
As we grow, the challenge of helping local governments, health services and owners of open spaces understand the benefits of parkrun is becoming easier. However in places it can still be a challenge.
The key to starting any parkrun is to find the right person to lead that event as a local volunteer, to champion its benefits to their community and to slowly but surely build a strong volunteer team to deliver the event going forwards. We will support that person, however it’s important to remember that each of our events must be driven by a core team of committed and passionate parkrun volunteers.
The time it takes to set up a parkrun event can vary significantly – it depends on the specific challenge of your location. Typically it takes around three to six months from start to finish. We never rush a team to get started and always wait for you to feel ready, properly trained and confident that you’re fully prepared.
Finally, you must be prepared for parkrun to change your life! Starting an event is the most amazing journey. Please don’t take our word for it, either – feel free to contact any of our event teams around the Globe (their direct email is on their specific web page) and ask for their thoughts and insights around what it means to join the parkrun family.
South Africa
Here in South Africa we have a goal that there will be a parkrun in every village, town or city that wants one. We’re really passionate about this – we believe it’s everyone’s right to get up on a Saturday and run in a 5km timed event without paying for the pleasure.
We’re working hard to get councils and parks authorities to understand the nature of parkrun.
We want them to understand that parkrun delivers all the health and fitness benefits that they also prescribe, and that parkrun addresses a host of other concerns by which their organisations are measured.
The good news is that this process is becoming easier as parkrun catches on.
So, what do we need? Well, the single most important thing we need is for individuals to come forward and lead the charge to bring a parkrun to their neighbourhood. We’ll then work with these folks to provide all the know-how they need to make an event possible – from how to establish a course to creating a team of volunteers.
Could you be that individual? Or are you an organisation that can support the setting-up of an event? Then get in touch!
Sweden
parkruns mål är att skapa en gladare och hälsosammare värld. Här berättar vi hur du kan vara en del av det här!
Fyll i blanketten och berätta om vilka idéer du har om att starta ett event där du bor. Just nu kostar det dig inget att starta upp ett parkrun event i Sverige eftersom parkrun bidrar till kostnaden för att starta upp nya event.
Vi hjälper dig genom processen – med råd om vad som är en lämplig bana (och hur du får markägarens tillstånd för banan) och vi hjälper dig att få ihop ett team med frivilliga så att du får igång ditt event. Vi vet att du inte kan göra det här själv så vi ger praktiska råd om hur du inspirerar andra att ansluta till ditt team.
Hör av dig idag! Vi har haft ett stort intresse för att starta upp event i Sverige så vi kanske kan sätta dig i kontakt med andra i ditt område som också vill vara med.
Vi ser fram emot att höra ifrån dig.
#loveparkrun
parkrun’s aim is to create a happy and healthier world, and here’s how you can be a part of this!
Fill in the form and let us know what your ideas are about creating an event where you live. Just now starting up a parkrun event in Sweden won’t cost you anything as parkrun are helping to support the cost of setting up new events.
We will be here to help you take you through the process – giving you advice about what makes a suitable course (and how to get permission from the landowner for that course), and helping you to create a volunteer team to get your event up and running. We know that you can’t do this alone, so we will give you some practical advice about how to inspire others to join your team.
So get in touch today! We have had lots of interest in starting up events in Sweden, so we might also be able to put you in touch with others from your area who also want to get involved.
We look forward to hearing from you.
#loveparkrun
United Kingdom
Our goal is for there to be a parkrun everywhere in the UK where someone would like one.
We’re not so interested in our events being large. Instead our vision is to have lots of small events across many small communities, each providing a free-to-attend opportunity to engage with physical activity in a supportive environment.
Already operating in over 500 locations, parkrun UK and junior parkrun UK is about so much more than a free, weekly, timed run. It’s about friendships, families and bringing people together to help one-another achieve sustainable and healthy lifestyle changes.
Runners of all abilities are welcome, and the focus is on recreational running and increasing participation. With that in mind, results are presented in time order, but there are no performance-related prizes or medals and the first person across the line is termed the ‘first finisher’ not the winner.
Setting up an event – things to think about
As we grow, the challenge of helping local governments, health services and owners of open spaces understand the benefits of parkrun is becoming easier. However in places it can still be a challenge.
The key to starting any parkrun is to find the right person to lead that event as a local volunteer, to champion its benefits to their community and to slowly but surely build a strong volunteer team to deliver the event going forwards. We will support that person and their team through help from parkrun staff and our well-established IT support system. However it’s important to remember that each of our events must be driven by a core team of committed and passionate parkrun volunteers.
Here in the UK we operate as an independent not-for-profit organisation supported by commercial and various other supporters. To survive financially we also look for local organisations to contribute towards the establishment of events in their area. We currently seek to achieve a £4,000 (plus VAT) start-up fee when establishing an event. This is always a one-off cost and we commit to supporting every event indefinitely from then on. It includes the provision of a defibrillator.
The time it takes to set up a parkrun event can vary significantly – it depends on the specific challenges of your location. Typically it takes around three to six months from start to finish. We never rush a team to get started and always wait for you to feel ready, properly trained and confident that you’re fully prepared.
Finally, you must be prepared for parkrun to change your life! Starting an event is the most amazing journey. Please don’t take our word for it, either – feel free to contact any of our event teams around the UK (their direct email is on their specific web page) and ask for their thoughts and insights around what it means to join the parkrun family.
Thanks for your time in reading this. If you’re interested in setting up a parkrun near you then brilliant – please contact us via the form.
United States
Here in the US we have a goal that there will be a parkrun in every village, town or city that wants one. We’re really passionate about this – we believe it’s everyone’s right to get up on a Saturday and run in a 5km timed event without paying for the pleasure.
We are working hard to get councils and parks authorities to understand the nature of parkrun.
We want them to understand that parkrun delivers all the health and fitness benefits that they also prescribe, and that parkrun addresses a host of other concerns by which their organisations are measured.
The good news is that this process is becoming easier as parkrun catches on.
So, what do we need? Well, the single most important thing that we need is for individuals to come forward and lead the charge to bring a parkrun to their neighborhood. We’ll then work with these folks to provide all the know-how they need to make an event possible – from how to establish a course to creating a team of volunteers.
Could you be that individual? Or are you an organisation that can help set up an event? Then please get in touch!
Europe
Sorry we can’t help. Yet.
At the moment we’re not accepting requests for parkrun events in any new countries. So if your country isn’t already listed here, sadly we can’t help at the moment.
The reason is that, while we at parkrun would like as many people to take part as possible, protecting the essence of our movement is really important to us.
To do this properly, we need to make sure the framework is right for an event to happen, and that the financial support is in place. That takes considerable time and effort, both in the prospective country and for ourselves to support that new country. We’re a very small team, and we simply don’t have the resources to set up lots of countries at once.
We realise this might disappoint, but we’d rather be honest and up front about the challenges we face in growing parkrun internationally. And please do remember it’s not necessarily a no – just a ‘not yet’!
Rest of World
Sorry we can’t help. Yet.
At the moment we’re not accepting requests for parkrun events in any new countries. So if your country isn’t already listed here, sadly we can’t help at the moment.
The reason is that, while we at parkrun would like as many people to take part as possible, protecting the essence of our movement is really important to us.
To do this properly, we need to make sure the framework is right for an event to happen, and that the financial support is in place. That takes considerable time and effort, both in the prospective country and for ourselves to support that new country. We’re a very small team, and we simply don’t have the resources to set up lots of countries at once.
We realise this might disappoint, but we’d rather be honest and up front about the challenges we face in growing parkrun internationally. And please do remember it’s not necessarily a no – just a ‘not yet’!