What is parkrun?
For those unfamiliar, parkrun is a collection of 5km running/walking events that take place every Saturday morning in various corners of the globe. These events are open to everyone, free of charge, and are safely organised by local volunteers. The beauty of parkrun lies in its simplicity and accessibility: whether you are a seasoned marathoner or a casual walker, you are welcome. It’s a fantastic way to meet locals and you can even make some new friends along the route as we have done. We had met a lady at our local parkrun in Ennis, Ireland and were delighted to join her at her local parkrun in Capetown, South Africa a few months later.
Our parkrun Journey
We have participated in parkruns for over 10 years, completing over 100 events each in 30 different locations. We have run, walked, Nordic walked and volunteered at parkruns in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, and South Africa
One of the things we love most about parkrun tourism is selecting our accommodation or campsite with proximity to the Saturday morning event. It’s great to wake up in a new place and start the day with a 5k run or walk, with both locals and fellow tourists. There’s nearly always a coffee meetup after too.
Volunteering at Parkrun
It’s not just about running or walking; at the events. Volunteering at parkrun has been equally rewarding. Being a part of the parkrun volunteer team allows us to give back to the community that hosts us, helping others enjoy their morning just as much as we do. Volunteering is a core part of the parkrun experience, emphasising that it’s not just an event but a community initiative that thrives on mutual support and encouragement. Volunteering as a tail walker is always a favourite job, it means you still get to complete the 5k whilst chatting and encouraging fellow walkers.
Why Try Parkrun Tourism?
Parkrun tourism offers a unique blend of sightseeing and community interaction. Each location brings its challenges and rewards, from altitude and weather variations to scenic beauty and local hospitality. It’s about more than just ticking another run off the list; it’s about immersing yourself in a new culture and making each run a small adventure of its own.
A Great Way to Explore Parklands
With over 1,000 parkruns worldwide including almost 500 in the UK and Ireland, parkrun tourism really is a thing, and a fantastic way to explore parkland all over the globe. All you need to do is to register on the parkrun website to get your barcode – an international pass which will register all the details of the events you attend.
New events are popping up all the time, so keep an eye on the parkrun events map. From hilly slogs to fast, flat courses, around lakes, castles and along seafronts, no two parkruns are quite the same.
Besides the UK and Ireland, parkrun operates in an impressive number of countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden and USA.
Remember to check out the local parkrun events on your next trip and maybe even volunteer to get the full experience.
Who knows? We might just bump into each other on a Saturday morning, ready to run, explore, and make lasting memories, one parkrun at a time.
Happy running/walking and happy travels!
