After several rumours of projected start dates, Battersea parkrun finally started with a 'soft launch' on Saturday 12 October, and a full-fat version was held on Saturday 19 October 2024.

There has been huge anticipation and interest as this is the first parkrun to be held in the central London area. The new parkrun is being hosted in one of the most popular venues for running events with a well-used circuit on broad, flat, smooth tarmac paths around the boating lake.

Battersea parkrun #1 saw 269 finishers headed by club athletes Ben Hampshire (Exeter University, 16:12) and Jemima D'Arcy (Clapham Chasers, 19:30). M55 Martin Dorrill (Kenilworth Runners, 18:43) set the best age-graded score with 83.53%. The honour of being the initial tail walker fell to Imogen Swales (With Me Now) who was home within the hour.

The second week saw numbers swell to 1117, with all finished in 1:17:05. The first finishers were Will Crudgington (Team Bath, 15:38) and Sarah Forbes-Smith (Clapham Chasers, 17:59). M50 Che Compton (Kent AC, 16:22) had the best age grade with 90.12%.

Battersea Park is described as: "an oasis of tranquility, natural beauty and recreation", on the Friends of Battersea Park website. That description will now emphasise the recreation element for an hour and a bit each Saturday morning, thanks to the approval of Wandsworth Council for the free, weekly 5K parkrun as part of their Wandsworth Moves Together initiative, a strategy to provide better opportunities for residents to get active.

In a joint press release with Wandsworth Council, Co-Event Directors of Battersea parkrun, Will Marks and Jess Buttigieg said: “We’re so excited to finally bring parkrun to the iconic location that is Battersea - it has been a long time in the making. There’s nothing else quite like it; the initiative provides so much, in so many ways, to thousands of communities across the globe. Everyone is welcome at parkrun, whether they're running, jogging, walking or volunteering with us. You’ll see people from all ages, backgrounds and levels of fitness, and the best bit is that parkrun is completely free."

Councillor Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Environment, Wandsworth Council said: “This year marks 20 years since the very first parkrun and we are thrilled to finally bring parkrun to this beautiful park for the first time, delivering on the promise we made to residents. We’re encouraging all sorts of exercise, especially in a social setting such as this, because we know how vital it is for people’s physical and mental health, as well as providing a connection to others in the community. It doesn’t just help you get fit, it can also play an important role in reducing depression and social isolation."

Here is a short video from the first event, prepared by Wandsworth Council......

Full details of Battersea parkrun are available at the event website here.

Photo of the launch event courtesy of Wandsworth Council