Parkrun; a volunteer led, free weekly fun run in parks throughout the world. This fad is not new, with the first beginning in 2004 and now has typically 250,000 runners turning up each week. But for those new to the concept, the question is, how do I Parkrun?

“Parkrun has revolutionised the Australian Saturday Morning; more than the sleep in, cold brew coffee and smashed avo combined.” – Dave @ Journeytochamonix

The first concern many future parkrunners have is, what if I can’t run that far? No worries! Lots of people attend and walk the whole 5 km distance. Some people run fast, some not so fast, some run then walk then run again. 

In more good news, you can’t come last! It’s impossible. There is a “tail walker” that follows the slowest person to make sure everyone finishes.

So, before you turn up to your first parkrun, there are a few other things to know. Some friendly tips if you will.

Register. Go to Parkrun.com and register. Fill in your emergency contact info and print off your barcode. Make sure you bring a printed barcode to Parkrun so you can get your results. Otherwise, they won’t be recorded. Most Parkruns do not accept an electronic barcode (shown on your phone). Strictly speaking, you don’t have to register. If you don’t, you simply won’t get an official time. You’re still allowed to run. However, it’s best if you do so. 

Get there a little early. Around 20 min before the event starts. Do a quick warm up and go to the race briefing. Put your hand up as a new Parkrunner when called and celebrate milestone runners with a round of applause. It’s a great community feel and super encouraging. Definitely a big part of the reason people return each week.

When called to the start, self seeding is a must! If you’re going to finish the 5 km under 20 min, start near the front. Finishing in 25 min, a little further back and 30 min further still. If you don’t know what time, stand near the runners that look like a similar level to your ability. It’s good to be able to start at a similar pace as those around you – without clogging up the front of the pack. Have a guess at yours and others ability and be courteous to your fellow runners.

Encourage others! If it’s an out and back course, give some encouragement when you pass in the opposite direction. For those quick runners, cheer people in. At our local Parkrun, for any runner that does a PB (Personal Best) rings a cow bell and receives an almighty cheer. Make sure you join in 🙂

Parkrun is not a race, though bragging rights may be important to some! It’s an opportunity to get some exercise and try and get that elusive PB. Fostering a love of running and getting into nature is worth giving up some sleep for.

Get your post run coffee with friends. For some/many/most, the post run coffee is an essential part of a Parkrun. Support a local cafe by meeting friends, talking PBs and planning where and when the next Parkrun will be. If you’re there by yourself, often there will be a group that is heading to a cafe that you can invite yourself to. 

Parkrun has revolutionised the Australian Saturday Morning. I can’t see it finishing anytime soon.

What is your Parkrun tip?