Registered but not run? It’s never too late to join us at parkrun

Statistics. Of course parkrun is a goldmine for data and statistics, giving every runner the chance to see all of their results from all of the parkruns that they have ever participated in, including time, position, and age-graded score. But looking a little bit closer, another statistic is revealed – the people who have registered to take part in parkrun, but have not yet recorded a result.

For example at Haga parkrun, we have now very close to 2000 people registered (1976 right now, and by the time you read this, we hopefully will have broken through the 2000 barrier!) but only around 1650 runners have participated at Haga parkrun. Take away the parkrun ‘tourists’ and this maybe leaves 1400 locally registered runners, joggers and walkers. Where are the 30% of people who have registered but not yet taken part?

Of course there can be many reasons why someone hasn’t yet turned up, but research that parkrun has undertaken shows that a common reason that people aren’t taking part is that they feel it is still intimidating to come along to parkrun – what will they find when they get there? Will everyone else be faster than them? Maybe it’s better to wait until I have done some more training…

So for many people, although they may have passed the first stage of registering for parkrun, the next stage – actually turning up and taking part – is another big barrier. At this point it’s worth remembering what parkrun is about and what we stand for. Here’s a few points to remember:

• Everyone is welcome at parkrun. Whether you run, jog, walk, or a combination of the above, you are welcome. There are no time limits. If you are worrying about ‘keeping anyone waiting’ – don’t! parkrun is precisely for people like you. And in most of our events there will be a ‘Tail Walker’ – so you will never finish ‘last’! 

• Taking part in parkrun is easy. All you need is your printed barcode. There’ll be someone there at the start to explain to you how it works when you come to the finish (it’s simple). The course will be clearly marked, and there will be volunteers on the course to show the way and cheer you on.

• We are a friendly community. We want to make it easy for everyone to take part in parkrun, whatever their level of ability. You will be greeted warmly with a smile, and made to feel welcome.

• There is no pressure to run fast at parkrun. You take part on your own terms. Nobody is judging you. We celebrate everyone’s performance at parkrun.

• And finally, remember that although it’s fun to have a ‘personal best’ time to beat, but nowhere does is state that you have to try and do this every week! Don’t put pressure on yourself, and remember to always enjoy your parkrun running experience. “

We hope that we will see you at a parkrun this Saturday at a location in the Nordics! You are – and always will be – very welcome!