Parkrun News
That activity is parkrun.
Parkruns are free, weekly 5k events that take place every Saturday at 9.00am. They are open to everyone, and you can take part in any way that suits you, whether that’s walking, jogging, running, volunteering, or spectating.
They are organised by a team of volunteers (hi-vis heroes) and led by a volunteer Run Director and are a great opportunity to socialise, make friends and be part of a welcoming and supportive community. There is no time limit, and no one finishes last.
The first parkrun was hosted in Bushy Park in London in 2004 and now there are over 1,215 parkrun events around the country.
It’s completely free to join parkrun, you need to register to get a barcode which is like a membership card and is valid at every parkrun in the world. Your barcode is the only ‘piece of equipment’ you must take to every parkrun.
My local parkrun is Bedworth, and we meet at the Miners Welfare Park in Bedworth but you can use the parkrun map to see where other events take place.
What do I wear?
You’ve done it, you’ve signed up, got your barcode and have chosen to visit Bedworth parkrun or another venue but then start to worry over what to wear. There’s no dress code, you wear anything that you feel comfortable walking, jogging, or running in.
It’s Saturday and I’m going to parkrun!
Don’t forget your barcode (although you won’t need it until you’ve finished).
It’s best to arrive at the park about 15 minutes before the start and if you’re new to parkrun or you’ve gone to a different park (as a tourist) you can take part in the First Timers Welcome. This is a short welcome briefing telling you about the course, giving you the chance to meet other people taking part and ask any questions you may have.
Once the First Timers Welcome has taken place, the Run Director will give the main briefing which will include course information and shout outs to visitors and people celebrating milestones.
Then at 9.00am (or 9.30am in Scotland) it’s time to start. The Run Director will check that the Timekeepers are ready, and the run begins with people walking, walk – running, jogging, and running the course. The course will be signposted and there will be marshalls along the route offering support and encouragement. Most parkruns have volunteer parkwalkers and every parkrun has a volunteer Tail Walker, meaning nobody finishes last!
I’ve nearly finished my first parkrun!
Yesss!! You can see the finish line – you’ve done it!
As you cross the finish line the volunteer Timekeepers will record the time that you cross and as you make your way along the finish funnel, you’ll be given a finish token. This has your finish position number on it.
You take your finish token and your barcode to the volunteer Barcode Scanners who will scan your barcode before they scan your finish token. You keep your barcode, but you leave the token as it will be needed next week.
It doesn't matter if you don’t have your barcode scanned straight away as all results are processed after everyone has finished.
That’s it – You’ve done it!
Once your barcode and finish token have been scanned, it’s time to celebrate, most parkruns have a café or a meeting point when people meet up for coffee, cake, and a chat after their event. At Bedworth parkrun people visit the Mayors Café or the Cricket Club Pavilion Café.
When do I get my results?
At Bedworth parkrun the results are processed by the Run Director and everyone that took part receives an email or text message confirming their time and position. You can also view the latest results on the parkrun website.
Can I do it again?
Yes, you can, once you have your barcode you can visit any parkrun at any week. If you visit the same parkrun again, you wouldn’t need to take part in the First Timer’s Welcome just join everyone at the start line.
Can I bring my child with me?
Yes, you can. Children must be aged 4 and over to register, obtain their own barcode and register their time and they must be able to complete the course themselves to have their barcode scanned. All children under 11 must be within arm's reach of their responsible adult as they complete the course.
There are also junior parkruns which are 2k runs for children aged 4 to 14 my local Junior parkrun is Riversley Park junior parkrun in Nuneaton.
Can I volunteer instead of taking part in the event?
Yes, you can, everyone is welcome to volunteer and there are a range of roles to choose from, some of which can be combined with walking or running too. You can volunteer alone or with someone else and every time you volunteer you get a step closer to a volunteer milestone.
Parkrun welcomes Duke of Edinburgh Award students looking for Volunteering Opportunities
parkrun is an Approved Activity Provider (AAP) for the Volunteering Section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, with many DofE participants aged 14 – 24 using parkrun for their volunteering section. parkrun volunteering offers structured and rewarding roles, the development of responsibility, and many transferable skills.
If any student is looking for somewhere to complete the Volunteering Section of their Bronze, Silver, or Gold DofE Award Bedworth parkrun is keen to help you achieve your award. Please get in touch by emailing bedworth@parkrun.com
How can I volunteer?
Every parkrun website has a volunteer link where the different roles are explained and the future roster is shown. If you would like to volunteer for any parkrun, you can email bedworth@parkrun.com with your name, barcode A number the role you would like to help with and one of the core team will reply.
I hope you’ve found my article interesting, and it has made you think about going along to your local parkrun, either taking part or volunteering. I guarantee you’ll be made to feel welcome whatever you choose to do.