100 Parkruns Milestone - Why it’s important to me.
Why I Love parkrun – And Why You Might Too
One of the greatest things about parkrun is the stories. Every person who takes part has one —each unique, each compelling, if you take the time to listen.
You’ll see all sorts of people at parkrun: some run, some walk, some walk with children or dogs. Others push prams—some dressed in running gear, some in everyday clothes, and occasionally even in fancy dress. There’s no single way to “do” parkrun, but the really interesting point is why ?.
I’ve just reached my 100th milestone at parkrun but I first took part on Christmas Day in 2017, in Huddersfield. At the time, I needed something to give me a lift. I’d been a runner for many years—a three-time London Marathon veteran, with the Great North Run and other half marathons among others in Liverpool, Worksop and Sheffield under my belt. But then came a diagnosis that changed everything: Coronary Artery Disease, highlighted after experiencing chest pains while running. The cause being a main artery was 95% blocked, and I ended up having two stents fitted. Thankfully, I avoided bypass surgery, which had been on the cards due to the complexity of the blockage location.
At 53, the experience knocked me sideways. Overnight, I went from feeling like Maximus Decimus Meridius to feeling more like Alf Garnett. I lost confidence, after all, wasn’t all that running supposed to prevent this? What was the point of it?
The wrong mindset I accept and a few months later, I had what I can only describe as divine intervention—a voice telling me, clearly and firmly, “Get up and go running again.” As a Christian, I know where I believe that voice came from. So I started plodding once more.
Soon after, I spotted an advert for parkrun. So I went. Wearing a Santa hat, I stood among 400 other participants and took part in my very first event on Christmas day 2017. I loved it. I still do.
Whether I take part locally or as a tourist elsewhere, parkrun is always a joy. It’s not just about the run or the walk—it’s about community, encouragement, and the wonderfully inclusive spirit.
If you think parkrun isn’t for you, take a look at the stats. There’s someone just like you doing it—your age, your ability, your fitness level. I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t fit in.
Reaching the 100 milestone has taken me longer than I’d hoped—but there are good reasons for that:
I’ve volunteered a lot—almost a year’s worth of volunteering across nearly every role.
The Covid lockdowns, naturally.
I’ve spent extended periods living in my beloved Spain—a country still without parkrun.
That’s why this 100th run feels so meaningful. It’s as special to me as my London Marathon medals. Those were personal achievements—but parkrun is different. It’s something you do with others. That’s the real magic of it.
My grandmother had many sayings, but one that’s always stuck with me is:
“Son, if you can’t be anything else, be an encourager.”
I’ve tried to live by that—and I believe parkrun embodies it too.
So I encourage you to give it a go.
Have a great parkrun day.
