parkrun Turns 20… And Gets New Shoes

Twenty years ago, thirteen people came together in London's Bushy Park for a 5km time trial. They ran exactly 5km, got a little token of congratulations when they finished, and agreed that they would meet up the following week at the same time, in the same place, and run the same course.

Little did they realize it at the time, but this small group were the first members of a running phenomenon that would spread around the world.

From its humble beginnings in London, parkrun has become a global behemoth, with events in 23 countries and 2,500 locations, attracting upwards of 350,000 people every week to tackle a 5k course (there is a 2k version for kids). All of these runners are drawn to an event that is renowned for its friendly, non-competitive approach to running, attracting athletes of all abilities.

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Run as a Charity organization, parkrun depends on partners like Brooks, who help to keep the events free for everyone. And with the organization celebrating its twentieth anniversary on October 2, 2024, Brooks went one step further in its support: releasing a limited edition Ghost 16 shoe, designed to reflect parkrun's brand colors. With a percentage of the profits from sales going back to parkrun, this Limited Edition Ghost 16 is just another way of ensuring that parkrun remains a free event for runners around the world. 

parkrun: the growth of a phenomenon

The true origins of parkrun reach back to before that meet-up in Bushy Park. In fact, the inspiration for the event was borne out of a running injury. Paul Sinton-Hewitt, parkrun's founder, was an avid runner until injury forced him to take a break from the sport. “The truth is I created the first parkrun event so that I could get together with my friends in the park," Paul reflects. "I wasn’t thinking about my health or wellbeing. Looking back, I can see there was a very selfish motive. I put on this 5K event and waited to see if anyone would turn up.”

They did, and within six weeks a community had formed, as had an official organizing committee. “That’s the magic of parkrun," Paul continues. "It’s inherently good. You can’t find things that are bad about it. People want to be part of it.”

However, it wasn't until 2006 that parkrun started to realize its potential. With more than 300 people per week turning up to Bushy Park, a second event was launched in Wimbledon, quickly followed by events around the UK, including in Richmond, Leeds and Brighton. Zimbabwe hosted the first international event in the same year, with the popularity of parkrun growing and growing.

The USA, though, would have to wait. It wasn't until 2010 in Livonia, Michigan, that Americans got their first taste of parkrun. Needless to say, parkrun expanded quickly and can now be found in over 500 locations throughout the US.

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Why parkrun?

For anyone who has never experienced a parkrun, the temptation might be to ask... why? After all, anyone can lace up and run 5k if they choose to. What's more, parkrun events are held in free-to-use, community spaces, meaning that anyone can run the course at any time. 

The reason for the popularity of parkrun is simple: community. Because while running is normally considered to be a single-player sport, parkrun flips that notion on its head. Every Saturday morning, at any one of the 2,500 parkrun locations around the world, a diverse group of runners turns up, all there to share an experience. Some are first-timers, some are pros, some are old, some young. Some come to run, others to walk with their friends, plenty come to connect with their local run community. Whatever their motivation, it’s easy to find like-minded souls at a parkrun.

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The beauty of the experience is in its simplicity. At every event there is a short briefing for new participants. After that, everyone starts at the same time and follows the same course, with volunteers helping to guide people along the way. Runners, joggers, walkers all receive a finishing token with a number on it (their finishing position in the run). Each runner gets a barcode to keep a track of their runs/walks, which gets scanned and recorded and then… people head to a cafe for a coffee (if they want to). 

And here's the really impressive part: all of this is completely free (apart from the coffee). That's right, there is no entry fee for parkrun. Rather, the organization is supported by sponsors, and partners like Brooks to help keep people moving.

Brooks and parkrun

Since Brooks teamed up with parkrun in 2020, the relationship has gone from strength to strength. So much so that to celebrate the 20th anniversary of parkrun, Brooks has released a Limited Edition of its Ghost 16 shoe. What's more, 15% of the profits from the sale of this shoe will go directly back to the parkrun charity, meaning... more free parkrunning!

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The Brooks Ghost 16 not only offers a smooth and floaty-feeling thanks to its plush cushioning, but this Limited Edition shoe also features a styling that reflects parkrun's brand colors. “What impressed me most about parkrun is that for 20 years, they have worked tirelessly to create an inclusive environment for people to come together and find a sense of belonging,” said Dora Litterell, a Special Concepts Designer at Brooks Running. "Inspired by this, I depicted overlapping lines that symbolize the inclusivity and diversity of the parkrun participants. These lines intersect in various places, illustrating how the unique backgrounds of each runner come together in parkrun’s supportive community.”

The Limited Edition Ghost 16, parkrun's first ever shoe, is available now - while stocks last!

Time to get parkrunning

Feeling inspired? You should be. Because whatever your level, whatever your goals, the chances are your local community is parkrunning. If you’re not sure where your nearest parkrun is, you can check out this handy event finder on their website. 

What’s more, to boost your inspiration, why not tackle this month’s Brooks Challenge? All you need to do is complete four parkruns in the next six weeks. If that seems a bit punchy, simply complete a 5K in the October 5K x Brooks Challenge to earn a digital finisher's badge for your Trophy Case.