Celebrating women and girls this International Women’s Day

We know that many women and girls face very real barriers to taking part in physical activity. From the fear of walking or running in public, of coming alone, to feeling nervous about what to do on arrival, or worrying about coming last.

This International Women’s Day, supported by Sport Ireland and their “Women in Sport week” initiative. we’re encouraging more women and girls to take part in parkrun events on Saturday 5 March and Saturday 12 March 2022.

Here’s everything you need to know.

On Saturday 5 March 2022 parkruns around the world are coming together to celebrate women and girls.

In Ireland, supported by Sport Ireland and their “Women in Sport week” we’ll be celebrating on Saturday 12 March 2022 too.

Tell your friends, bring your family, call your neighbours, and head down to your local event and take part in whatever way suits you.

parkrun is for everyone. No matter your age, background, fitness level or gender. And although #IWDparkrun is being held on one day, we want to make sure that women and girls keep coming back week after week.

What do I need to do to take part?

It’s really easy to get involved in parkrun and you can participate in loads of different ways – you might want to walk, jog, run, volunteer or just come along and spectate.

If you want to walk, jog, run or volunteer, you just need to register once on the parkrun website. You can then print your barcode, and turn up at any parkrun anywhere in the world.

You don’t need to book a place, or tell us you’re coming, you might want to arrive a bit early to listen to the first timer’s welcome, and soak up the feel good atmosphere. We’d suggest arriving 30 minutes early if you’re volunteering, or 15 minutes before if you’d like to walk, jog or run. Or just wander through one of the parks and open spaces where events take place on a Saturday morning if you want to have a look at what it’s all about.

Find an event

There are more than 2,200 parkrun locations, across 23 countries around the world.

You can find your nearest parkrun here.

Every event has its own website where you can find out how to get there, read a description of the course, find out how to volunteer and how to contact the team if you have any questions.

If you are nervous about coming on your own for the first time, why not invite someone to join you and come along together?

There’s no time limit at parkrun and every event has a volunteer Tail Walker who is always the last person to cross the finish line.

There are lots of videos on our YouTube channel which give you an idea of what to expect when you come along to parkrun for the first time.

We can’t wait to see you there!

#IWDparkrun