parkrun isn’t just for runners: 5 reasons why parkrun is great for walkers too

Home Bristol Walkfest News parkrun isn’t just for runners: 5 reasons why parkrun is great for walkers too

Calling all walking enthusiasts! Did you know parkrun isn’t just for runners? At Eastville parkrun, we have many parkwalkers joining our weekly event. So, if you’re looking to get a few more steps in, read on to find out why parkrun is a great event to walk at!

parkrun welcomes walkers

parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly community event where people come to walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.

Adult parkruns are 5k and take place every Saturday. On Sunday, many locations offer junior parkruns, which are 2k, for ages 4 – 14. Both events start at 9am.

The first ever parkrun took place in 2004 at Bushy Park in London. Since then, parkrun has been going – and growing – for 20 years, currently with 1,248 event locations across the UK and a total of 2,300 worldwide!

  1. Accessibility

“parkrun is free and takes place at so many locations. You just turn up and are welcomed by a brilliant community.” – Louise

parkrun is free to attend and open to people of all ages and fitness levels. You can take part however you want, at whatever speed you want. There is no time limit.

If you have a health condition or disability, you’re taking your first steps to fitness or you just want to soak up the atmosphere and have a chat, you can!

  1. Community support

“I love the whole adventure of visiting a new parkrun, meeting new people and making friends.” – Kay

Whether you come along to take part, volunteer or spectate, parkrun is an incredibly supportive event. Whatever your goal, parkrun is a great place to start, maintain or enhance your fitness journey.

A briefing takes place before every event
  1. Regular schedule

“parkrun gives me an external motivator to do some exercise. There’s no way I’d just get up in the morning and go for a run without it!” – Paul

parkrun events take place every weekend, providing a consistent opportunity to be active. This regular schedule can help establish a routine and make it easier to stick to health goals.

  1. Scenic locations

“The best thing about parkrun is visiting beautiful new places you otherwise would never have experienced.” – Michael

Nothing beats going for a walk in a beautiful location! parkrun events are typically held in parks or other scenic outdoor areas. 

At Eastville parkrun, our course takes participants around our beautiful park, including the lake, providing many opportunities to see wildlife while surrounded by nature.

parkrun couldn’t happen without its wonderful volunteers
  1. Non-competitive environment

“I love the community spirit, bringing people together and the social aspects of it.” – Christine

parkrun is for everyone! This event is non-competitive and inclusive and we focus on celebrating participation, personal achievement, and enjoyment.

parkrun is completely free. All you need to do is register online before you arrive, then bring your barcode along and have fun!

We don’t expect you to turn up in the latest running gear, or any running kit for that matter. All that matters to us is that you’re wearing something you feel comfortable in.

Eastville parkrun takes place at Eastville Park, Fishponds Road, BS5 6PX every Saturday at 9am. A junior parkrun takes place at the same time every Sunday.

In Bristol, there are also parkrun events at Ashton Court, Pomphrey Hill and Blaise Castle. Click here to find your nearest parkrun.

Published
Thu 16 May 2024
Last Updated
Sat 11 May 2024