In the past seven years, since the inaugural event in March 2018, Victoria Dock parkrun saw 23,993 participants record 47,343 finishes in an average time of 27:38. All this endeavour and enjoyment was facilitated by 846 volunteers, or 'Hi-Viz Heroes' as parkrun often refers to these essential cogs in the parkrun machinery.

Sadly, after 272 events, the cogs came to a grinding halt as Victoria Dock parkrun was declared no longer viable due to a lack of volunteers coming forward. The organisers offered a heartfelt farewell to all the runners and walkers who had taken part, and the event closed after it had become unsustainable to continue.

The first finishers at Victoria Dock on 20th December 2025 were Josh Halderthay (16:52) and Mel Western (21:08) as 159 parkrunners signed off the event, supported by 14 volunteers. Josh has run six of his 247 parkruns at Victoria Dock, with a best of 16:44, and Mel made her debut at this venue, leaving with a new parkrun PB.

Victoria Dock parkrun's Facebook page announced the closure on Monday, 12th January 2026. A spokesperson posted: "Hi everyone. It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Victoria Dock parkrun has shut down. Over more than 7 years, our little parkrun-that-isn’t-in-a-park has been proud to welcome over 20,000 runners, joggers, and parkwalkers to the dock area. Together we’ve celebrated countless PBs, milestones, first-timers, alphabet challenges completed, friendships formed, and Saturday mornings made better – whatever the weather."

The post praised the core team, Event Directors, and volunteers for keeping the event going for so long, concluding positively: "Thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the community spirit. We finish incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. Be kind to yourself, and be kind to others."

As of early 2026, there are over 60 parkruns across Greater London. Other events that are within a parkrun from Victoria Dock include Greenwich Peninsula (0.9km), Beckton (2.0km), Charlton (3.2km), Mile End (3.9km), Thames Path, Woolwich (4.1km), and Southwark (5.1km).

Victoria Dock parkrun organisers reminded everyone of the importance of volunteering: "We hope everyone reading this continues to support the wider parkrun community – whether by walking, running, cheering, or volunteering. Volunteering really is fundamental to parkrun, and even offering help occasionally can make a huge difference."

To learn more about volunteering at parkrun, click here.

Photo of Victoria Dock parkrun by Bruce Li on Flickr