
Parkrun’s 20-year anniversary celebrated at six racecourses
As parkrun celebrates its 20th anniversary as the free 5k run that starts many a weekend, we reflect on its humble beginnings and how racecourses play their part in bringing this community phenomenon to the masses.
Every weekend on non-racedays York, Pontefract, Warwick, Market Rasen, Hereford and Worcester offer up their racecourses to host a parkrun, offering participants the chance to experience a unique test of running a 5k around a racecourse.
Parkrun – from small beginnings to worldwide participation
On a blustery October Saturday in 2004, an injured club runner named Paul Sinton-Hewitt invited friends to join him for a 5K run in Bushy Park, London. With their help and some improvised finish tokens made from washers, he created an informal time trial and the ‘parkrun’ concept was born. The camaraderie he sought during his recovery not only revitalized his social life but laid the groundwork for an initiative that would flourish into a platform to create a unique community space for exercise.
Fast forward two decades, and parkrun has evolved into a global phenomenon, with 2,500 events spanning 22 countries and an impressive 9m registered parkrunners. Each week, around 350,000 individuals participate, demonstrating parkrun’s widespread appeal.

With over 500,000 parkrun completions and 2,243 events held at racecourses since first mover Pontefract opened its doors on 3rd May 2011, this event is a great advertisement for the diversity a racecourse space can offer to the community.
The course at Pontefract takes runners around the inside rail of the racecourse close to the boating lake before returning to the track for a full circuit of the racecourse, with a low elevation which is perfect for a scenic run and a fast time.
York recently celebrated its milestone 500th event, and the race takes place on the service road inside the course. Amy Swales Head of Digital and Community Engagement when asked about the impact of Parkrun said: “We are delighted that our service road on the Knavesmire is so valued and used by our community. We estimate around 6,000 people a week use this road, either walking, cycling or indeed running. The parkrun on the Knavesmire is very popular and numbers are always over 500 – giving it a great atmosphere for your Saturday morning exercise.”

Despite its massive growth, the essence of parkrun remains very much intact. Sinton-Hewitt reflected: “Most of the mechanics might have changed – like the introduction of barcodes – but parkrun is still the same. Each weekend, there’s an opportunity to get active for free with friends in your local community.”
As parkrun enters its third decade, its impact on running culture and community spirit remains profound. From its humble beginnings to becoming a beloved global event, parkrun continues to enrich lives, foster friendships, and promote healthy, active lifestyles in an inclusive environment. It is hoped that more racecourses might consider bringing their local communities together on non-raceday Saturdays as the parkrun phenomenon shows no sign of slowing down.