Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Parkrun: the most fun 5k you’ll ever do
There is an event that takes place every Saturday at 9am (Covid allowing) all over the UK. It’s free, it’s fun, it’s healthy, it’s social. In short, it’s great for your general wellbeing.
What’s the event? It’s called Parkrun. Started over 10 years ago, more than 2.4 million people have run or walked a 5k course at one of over
1,000 locations. I have been running at my local Parkrun at Nonsuch in Epsom for a few years now and, although it is not a race, I push myself every time to be as fast as I can amongst the 900 odd runners. There is no medal at the end but a couple of hours later you get a lovely email telling you how long you took and where you came in the field.
This week though, being the last Saturday in the month, there was a special event known as 5k Your Way where the usual runners’ ranks are swelled by people like me who have been affected by cancer in some way.
It is such a great environment to jog or walk whilst talking to others who really understand what it’s like to be told “You have cancer”, an expression no one ever wants to hear. I love how those taking part come out of their shell over the course, realising that no one judges as it’s a safe environment to share your happy and sad thoughts.
Last week was extra special for me as I was invited to join radio celebrity and runner,
Vassos Alexander on the park run podcast called appropriately Free Weekly
Timed (freeweeklytimed.com) to talk about my experiences at Parkrun and, of course, I got the chance to plug my new book Dead Man Running again too. It is so humbling that others think what I have to say may make a positive difference to people. I would never have seen myself as an ambassador for anything when I was younger. It just shows how we can all grow, even in adversity, no matter how old we are.
Why don’t you look up your local Parkrun and give it a go as you’ll be welcomed with open arms. If you already go, how about bringing someone with you who currently does not attend as it’s a great way to start a weekend. What you may be doing for their wellbeing could literally be a lifesaver in these challenging times.
Until next week
Kev
Invite a friend to go along – it could literally be a lifesaver