Park Run Events

[TheManWithNoName]

Thought I would make a thread about ParkRun, as it's been a big help to me.



Here is a quick overview of what Park Run is.

"Parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.
These events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and we encourage people of every ability to take part; from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience; we welcome you all."

http://www.parkrun.org.uk/

If you don't think you are up to doing the run just yet, get down to the events on a Saturday morning and watch the runners, it's great to watch too, and you can also volunteer and help get things set-up and direct the runners. There is all ages and abilties that do the run, so you shouldn't feel out of your depth. They always have a little get together after the runs at my local ParkRun, so you can have a coffee and a chat. I was very warmly welcome at my local event. What better way to spend a Saturday morning than socialising and getting some exercise.

[t0rt01se36]

I might go along sometime. I am no good at running but i'm sure about 90 mins to complete it, won't be to bad. Am I allowed to jog, instead of run?

[TheManWithNoName]

Hey there

Yeah you are fine jogging, I resort to it most weeks, I even see a lot of people walking round too. It's a great atmosphere, you get driven on by the occasion. Don't think about it, just go, you will love it!

My local event you can stay after the run and people bring cakes they've baked and dish them out free. I find that the running community on a hole are amazing. If you have any questions about running, the run director is always keen to help too.

A good thing to settle your nerves about it is to check the results page of your local run to see the time sheets for each week, I know it helped me knowing people run/jog/walk at my pace before I went.

A nice little incentive is you receive a free t shirt for running at 50 events compliments of addidas, or if you know someone who is under 19, they receive one for doing 10 runs. The shirts have the number 50 emblazoned on the back, so thats a nice bit of motivation to achieve.

Head down and volunteer first, you just sign up and email the race director of your local run and he will put you on the volunteer list. Most people shout thank you as they run past, so it's a nice little morale boost. Or just head down and watch the runners to get a feel for it first.

I sound like a promoter here, I will be quiet now lol

[Anna C]

Hi I only heard about this last week.
I'm trying to start jogging to train for The Race For Life in June - I can still only jog for 1 and 1/2 minutes with out nearly dying lol! But when I get a bit better I hope to be brave enough to go a long to the park run in my area.
Good luck and well done for going.