parkrun UK launches first ever Health and Inclusion Strategy

As parkrun celebrates its one millionth event, the charity launches its first ever UK Health and Inclusion Strategy, to ensure even more of those with the most to gain get to benefit from the next million.

parkrun UK has today launched its new Health and Inclusion Strategy to 2030, marking a major milestone in its mission to create healthier, happier and more connected communities.

The announcement follows a historic weekend in which parkrun celebrated delivering one million events, with famous faces joining a landmark celebration at Bushy parkrun where the first event took place with just 13 runners and five volunteers in October 2004.

There are now more than 6.6 million registered parkrunners in the UK, more than 1,400 weekly 5k and junior events, and around 250,000 people taking part every weekend across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Globally there are half a million people taking part, across more than 2,800 locations each week.

parkrun is already a significant force for good, with an estimated £667 million pounds in value to the UK economy, driven primarily by improved physical and mental health, increased life satisfaction, and reduced NHS costs. The new strategy sets out how that impact will grow even further, particularly for those who face the greatest barriers to being active.

This ambition is underpinned by the strength of parkrun’s existing partnerships and collaborations with organisations such as 5K Your Way, Move Against Cancer who hold around 120 monthly meet ups at parkrun for those impacted by cancer, and the Royal College of General Practitioners’ parkrun practice initiative which already has more than 2,200 practices across the UK signposting to parkrun via social prescribing. Just last year, junior parkrun launched the ‘parkrun primary’ initiative, twinning local schools with junior events, and in less than a year almost 2,500 schools have signed up across the home nations, and Ireland.

At its core, the strategy focuses on tackling health inequalities by widening access and ensuring that parkrun is truly for everyone, irrespective of background, ability or circumstance.

Mubarak Sheikh, Inclusion Ambassador for parkrun, said “As an Inclusion Ambassador, I see first-hand the difference parkrun makes when people feel welcome, valued and able to take part in their own way. This strategy is being intentional when it comes to further breaking down barriers and making sure everyone can experience the benefits of being active together.”

The new strategy recognises parkrun not just as a physical activity, but as a community health asset, supporting mental wellbeing, social connection and long-term behaviour change. Currently more than 32% of those taking part in parkrun are from lower socioeconomic groups and 20% consider themselves inactive at registration.

Designed in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, the creation of the strategy included consultations across the UK, bringing together communities, parkrun volunteers and system partners to explore how participation can be widened so everyone feels part of the movement. We listened, learned and acted on what we heard, ensuring that lived experience sits at the heart of future delivery. The strategy is built around three key pillars:

People: widening participation and supporting more diverse communities to take part
Partnerships: strengthening collaboration with health, community and voluntary sectors
Places: expanding into areas of greatest need to reduce inequalities in access

Elizabeth Duggan Chief Executive Officer of parkrun global, said: “Reaching one million events globally is a powerful reminder of what communities can achieve when people come together. But we know there are still too many people who face barriers to being active, and that’s what this strategy is here to change. This is about ensuring that parkrun is truly for everyone, and that they know how to access it. By intentionally working with communities and partners, and by focusing on those who would benefit the most, we can help more people experience the physical, mental and social benefits of being active together.”

Sasha Karakusevic, a Senior Advisor from NHS Horizons, said: “In our role of contributing to ‘Uniting the Movement’ the impact parkrun is having is notable. Bringing people together to move is building a sense of community and engagement at a very large scale. It builds community by community because people want to participate. The ambition to support more communities to join the movement is amazing.”

Tom Burton, Strategic Lead for Health Policy at Sport England, said: “parkrun’s journey to become a nationwide community health movement – while also creating valuable opportunities for volunteering and connection – is an incredible achievement. We welcome parkrun’s Health and Inclusion Strategy, aligned with our ambition to tackle inequalities in sport and physical activity. Its focus on people facing the greatest barriers, and stronger collaboration with partners like the health and care system, will help more people live healthier and happier lives.”

This strategy represents a significant step forward in parkrun’s journey and by continuing to collaborate with partners, listen to communities and invest in inclusive growth, parkrun is committed to leading the way in tackling inactivity and building stronger, more connected communities across the UK.

With thanks to continuous support from funders like Sport England and London Marathon Foundation, and long-standing presenting partners Vitality, as well as support from other commercial partners and strategic funders, as well as all the parkrun ambassadors, and communities that come together each week to deliver welcoming and inclusive events.