Success as #IWDparkrun encourages female participation at parkruns around the world, in a celebration of International Women’s Day.
In a special partnership with This Girl Can, parkruns across England and the UK saw more walks, jogs and runs completed by women and girls since 5k events returned in July 2021.
parkruns all over the world united in a celebration of women and girls on Saturday 5 March, to mark International Women’s Day.
Around the globe, almost 1,000 females volunteered for the very first time, and more than 4,800 walked, jogged or ran their first 5k.
Nearly 100,000 women and girls joined in across 1,934 events, accounting for almost 87,000 walks, jogs and runs!
In England, there were almost 7,000 women and girls volunteering – the second highest figure ever, beaten only by the #IWDparkrun celebration in 2020, and 56% of Run Directors on the day were female.
Women and girls accounted for 43% of walks, jogs and runs, which is the highest female share since 5k events returned across England in July 2021.
parkrunners brought along their female friends, colleagues and family members and walked, jogged, ran, and volunteered together.
parkrun social media was awash with pictures and stories of inspirational women and girls from every corner of the parkrun world.
In total, 13,000 women and girls pulled on the hi vis and volunteered, which is nearly 1,000 more than an average weekend.
The female share of volunteering also increased, with more women taking on ‘leadership’ roles, like Run Director.
parkrun really is a world for everyone, no matter your age, background, fitness level or gender, and it was wonderful to see so many women and girls joining us for #IWDparkrun.
Although #IWDparkrun was held across one weekend, we hope that the impact will be far more long-lasting – shining a light on parkrun as a great option for women and girls to come together and be part of a positive and supportive community whenever and however suits them.
#loveparkrun #IWDparkrun
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