On Saturday 5 October 2024, parkrun will celebrate its 20th anniversary since the inaugural run – then known as the Bushy Park 5K time trial – was held in the second largest of London's eight Royal Parks.

An injured athlete organised the first event to help a handful of clubmates enjoy a run without the usual faff of competition. Twenty years on, parkrun still follows its original principles: organised by volunteers, weekly, free, for everyone, forever.

From humble beginnings, parkrun expanded throughout the UK and the world. In November last year, the 100 millionth global participation was recorded! Over 2,200 parkruns have been set up in more than 23 countries spanning five continents. The event has over 9 million registered parkrunners and nearly 800,000 volunteers.

Last weekend (21-22 September 2024) there were 1,998 parkruns; 431 junior parkruns; 296,000 parkrunners; 20,000 junior parkrunners, and 41,000 volunteers involved globally. In the UK there were 808 parkruns; 389 junior parkruns; 176,000 parkrunners; 18,000 junior parkrunners, and 26,000 volunteers. Perhaps the most significant stats relate to new parkrun registrations (25,136 worldwide) and first-time parkrun participation (15,123) last week alone!

This success naturally places huge pressure on the 'Hi-Viz Heroes' who give up their time each weekend to ensure every parkrun can proceed safely and results are accurately recorded. And it is for that reason that the founder of parkrun, Paul Sinton-Hewitt CBE, has issued this appeal: 

"On the 5th October every parkrun throughout the world is asked to celebrate our 20th birthday. It’s definitely not about Bushy parkrun. The special thing about parkrun’s DNA is that your home event is the most special place where the real action takes place. Free, forever, community."

In recent weeks, Bushy parkrun has seen 1,787 parkrunners attend a special 999-themed event on the occasion of their 999th parkrun and a parkrun global record 6,204 recorded finishers at their 1,000th event, which all but swamped the core team of volunteers.

As Sinton-Hewitt says, it's not all about Bushy Park. parkruns are everywhere these days. There's bound to be one nearby, so please celebrate at your local event. No doubt there will be cake, so I'm in!

To find your local parkrun click here.

Photo of Gunpowder parkrun courtesy of parkrun marketing