A recent research paper published in the academic journal Psychology, Health and Medicine has highlighted the wide-ranging benefits of parkrun for those living with a mental health condition. The impacts were found to be greatest for those who walk or run, as well as volunteer. A team of researchers undertook a detailed analysis of…
parkrun Australia is actively looking for extraordinary volunteers who can bring their excitement and enthusiasm to represent parkrun behind the scenes as parkrun Ambassadors. We are looking for parkrunners who believe passionately in the power of parkrun to create and support healthier and happier communities. Ambassadors are volunteers who advocate and trust parkrun’s mission…
Having gathered the courage to try parkrun, Bea Conner has found it to be friendly, welcoming and so much more than a ‘run,’ all of which has been beneficial for her mental health. My whole life, I have been plagued with severe mental illnesses. I lost who I was, and my entire identity became…
It’s a new year. Grab your friends, family, colleagues and neighbours and start with parkrun. Insight shows us that one of the most powerful tools for encouraging people along to a parkrun is word of mouth. So, this new year, why not help a friend get started on their parkrun journey. Here are…
parkrun Australia has joined forces with VicHealth to encourage more families to become involved in their local parkrun event as walkers, runners, volunteers and spectators. parkruns are free 5k community events held every Saturday morning at more than 450 locations around Australia. There is no time limit and everyone is invited! VicHealth aims…
Joining parkrun in 2016, Col walked 127 times before a doctor diagnosed him with a collapsed foot and told him it was time to hang up his walking shoes. Yet it never occurred to Col that this should be a reason to stop coming each Saturday morning. Col has been married to Joyce for 48…
Have you ever wondered what a parkrun looks like over in Japan? You’re in the right place! We recently talked to Ikeya Kenjiro, the event director at Kashiwanoha parkrun about how it changed his Saturday mornings, and why he loves volunteering at parkrun. I first heard about parkrun in April 2019 when a flyer was delivered…
As parkrun continues to grow around the world, we are committed to breaking down barriers to participation in regular physical activity and bringing communities together. Communication plays a vital part in what we do, and we are looking to expand our range of non-English language content. To help us do so, we have created the voluntary…
Have you ever wondered who has completed the most parkruns, or who has the most volunteer credits? You’re about to meet Darren Wood and Nicki Clark! Some might be surprised to learn that neither parkrunner was at the first parkrun event back in 2004. But ever since Darren and Nicki started, they have never looked…
From our research on volunteering at parkrun this year, we identified eight common myths that can sometimes prevent people from volunteering. We aim to bust those myths once and for all, to ensure everyone, no matter your age, ability or background, knows they are welcome at parkrun. Here they are! 1) Not sure how…
