Resources

Bek Milne is fifth generation military and has served for more than 20 years, which has included 18 house moves. Bek explains how the structure and routine of parkrun makes perfect sense for veterans and their families, and how volunteering at parkrun is a great opportunity to find your place and your people in your new community.

Emma lives with Williams Syndrome, which means she has some intellectual and spatial awareness challenges. But it also gives her some special qualities as a volunteer, including the ability to recognise new parkrunners and to put them at ease.

Michelle was a fit and active younger person but she stopped when she had kids. Following a relationship breakdown and the pandemic lockdowns, a parkrun started close to Michelle’s house and she has been volunteering there ever since.

When Belinda was 18 she contracted a bacterial infection that severely impacted her ability to walk. Determined to keep moving, Belinda started walking at parkrun to complement her wheelchair sports, and before long she was volunteering at parkrun as a Run Director too.

Vivienne Buttigieg at 78 years young completed her 500th parkrun on 10 August 2024! Viv took up running in the year 2000 when she was 54, and started her parkrun journey at Coomera on 2 March 2013 where she came in 54th, with a time of 36:04.

As soon as Maiya could start parkrun at four, she was all registered and running. Now 12, she’s stepped up to another big challenge — volunteering as Run Director!

Felicity Jorgensen first took her daughters to parkrun in 2017 when Amelia was seven and Megan was five, and eight years on they are all still going strong!

10-year-old Remy started parkrun when she was seven, and has now completed the course 34 times and volunteered 9 times. Remy and her mum Aranea explain the positive impact parkrun has had on them.

12-year-old Zoe has been a Run Director at parkrun four times. She says “I would encourage other girls to give parkrun a go. You will feel really good afterwards and, if you don’t want to run, you can volunteer. If you don’t know what to do there are friendly people to help. Come along and join in for a walk, run, or volunteer in the park and then enjoy socialising with a cuppa and food afterwards.”

Regan did her first parkrun in early 2016 at the age of seven because she wanted to spend more time with her grandfather and do something active together.

Cricket Green School, a special educational needs school in Mitcham, has been making moves. Through our parkrun primary initiative, we’ve been working with the school to engage pupils into junior parkrun and build strong connections with the local community.

From fun school-based events, to joining the Mini London Marathon, and their local junior parkrun at Figges Marsh; pupils have been getting active, building confidence, and discovering just how fun moving together can be.

Celebrating diversity and creating inclusive environments are at the centre of our values here at parkrun. It’s incredible to see how parkrun brings together so many communities who are united by spreading positivity, one parkrun at a time.

Today we spotlight the Kennington junior parkrun team who embody this spirit of inclusivity by marking cultural and community moments throughout the year…

junior parkrun is a place where young people grow in confidence, build self-belief, and are encouraged to shine regardless of pace or time.

Izzy, who lives with Baker-Gordon Syndrome, meaning she has both learning and physical disabilities, epitomises how much junior parkrun helps young people grow in a safe, inclusive space.

Of course, the magic of the junior parkrun community lies in the unrelenting celebration of individual achievements. So together with the volunteers and parkrunners at Northallerton parkrun, let’s give a cheer for Izzy’s spectacular achievements!

There’s nothing better than hearing about the successes of amazing young people at junior parkrun.

Cheered on by friends, family, and dedicated volunteers, Emily has reached an incredible milestone that will inspire many other young people to get involved.

Her story is a celebration of persistence, community spirit, and the joy of running…parkrun style!

Ellie and Mel Pinnington bring energy, music, and joy to Southport’s junior parkrun. Ellie, who is autistic and known as #AusomeEllie, has taken on a wide range of volunteer roles as part of her Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – from warm-up leader to barcode scanner.

With support from her mum Mel, she’s growing in confidence, finding independence, and spreading positivity at every event.

Seven-year-old Theo from Brighton has set himself an extraordinary challenge: to complete 47 junior parkruns and running events to represent the 47 chromosomes that define Down’s syndrome.

Inspired by his cousin Silas, who has Down’s syndrome, Theo is on a remarkable journey and has completed 11 out of 47 so far. His parents, Helen and Ed, share more about his experience…

Six-year-old India is proof that parkrun is about family, fun, and community. From the local junior parkrun event to the 5k, India has grown up with parkrun as a cornerstone of her life.

She’s already achieved incredible milestones, made countless friends, and inspired her entire family to embrace the parkrun spirit.

St. Brendan’s Primary School in Glasgow embraced junior parkrun with an inspiring challenge at their local event in Victoria Park. Led by Principal Teacher Laura Greenan, the initiative highlighted the joy of being active, community togetherness, and the importance of children’s mental health.

Year 11 pupil Emily completed her first parkrun as a 14-year-old after her mum Rebecca invited her along, and she has never looked back.

Colin Bale suffered a heart attack while walking at parkrun. Thanks to the quick reactions of those around him, Colin survived and is now on the road to recovery.

Colin has shared his story in the hope that his experience will help others who go through a similar medical episode, or who are with someone who does.

At 91 years young, Kevin Onley is a veteran of the Korean War and 342 parkruns. The Berwick Springs parkrunner epitomises resilience and community connection and is testament to the transformative power of community and sport, proving that age is just a number when it comes to staying active and engaged.

In 2021 the Puckapunyal Military Area in Victoria became the first restricted access military base in Australia to introduce a weekly parkrun event, with 41 walkers, runners and volunteers participating in the inaugural event.

When Mary comes to parkrun, she’s always got her assistance dog Roxy by her side.

The Australian Army veteran and self-confessed “adrenaline junkie” started parkrun in February 2018 with Roxy, after she was medically discharged from the military due to a broken neck and PTS.

Steven joined the Army when he was 19. Several years later when his wife suggested they start doing parkrun as a bit of fun, the idea of running and not being paid to do it didn’t sound all that fun to Steven! At that time they were living in the UK and he had served eight years in the Royal Signals.

Steven's wife was right however, and he became hooked on parkrun.

For Team Veteran member Alby Smith, physical fitness has always played a big role in life.

Bill Greenwood volunteers as a Run Director at Dubbo parkrun, and as a Crisis Support Officer.

Bill, a retired detective and Vietnam veteran, explains why the two roles have become intertwined, and how the simple act of coming to the park on a Saturday morning can have a profound impact on the people he supports.

Adam Kisiel, a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Australian Navy, has had numerous postings around Australia and seagoing vessels and has also completed more than 250 parkruns. Adam has two young daughters and is happy for them to see how positive it is to start the weekend in a fun and healthy way.

Mel and Jeremy are officers in the Royal Australian Air Force, with their young family having participated in more than 400 parkruns at 130 different parkrun locations. They have used parkrun to improve their fitness and help them integrate into new communities following interstate postings.

Miriam, from Phillip Island parkrun in Victoria, comes from a military family. During World War II her father trained with paratroopers and her uncle was a ‘Rat of Tobruk’. They never spoke about their service, and Miriam remembers talking to people her father trained with who were still traumatised by their experience.

According to Miriam, the camaraderie of parkrun makes it one of the most inclusive, friendly and encouraging activities she's ever been part of.

Craig is the volunteer Event Director of Darwin parkrun and a member of the Australian Army Reserves. As someone who was born and bred in Darwin and loves to be active and helpful in his community, parkrun and the Reserves tick both boxes!

Erin is a Defence wife and mum of two kids. Fed up with being depressed, Erin started to make changes to build her confidence and help her makes friends, which led her to parkrun and she has never looked back.

Tony served in the British Army for 24 years before moving to Western Australia. Tony credits parkrun with being instrumental in helping his family start their new life and develop a circle of friends in a place where they didn't know anybody.

Ben served nine years in the Australian Regular Army as an army mechanic. He served in many places including Afghanistan in 2005/2006 as part of the Special Operation Task Group 001.

When Ben's wife began parkrun he promised to join her, and it didn't take long for their kids to get the bug too.

87-year-old Noel Darr is a Vietnam Veteran and retired load-master who served in the Royal Australian Air Force. When Noel retired in 1994 he held the world record for the number of hours flown on the Hercules E Model and was awarded the Order of Australia medal for services to the military.

Noel has become a cherished member of the East Richmond parkrun community, having volunteered on more than 250 occasions.

Anna Christophorou is the founder and Programme Director of Speed Freaks Charitable Trust, which was established in 2021.

As a former alcoholic and chain-smoker, I know all about the struggles of addiction and recovery. Back then I didn’t have anyone to turn to, so the Speed Freaks organisation is something very dear to my heart.

I have struggled with my mental health and addiction for the majority of my life. I heard about Speed Freaks from a poster at the gym and thought it was a fantastic idea as I hadn’t come across anything like it before. I had found conventional recovery groups a little overwhelming, but Speed Freaks offered something different, a more relaxed setting with movement and connection.

I first heard about Speed Freaks through the residential programme at Odyssey House, which is a rehabilitation service for drugs and alcohol in Christchurch. I thought they sounded like a cool organisation so I joined.

I have family members who struggle with addiction and I wish they lived in an area where the Speed Freaks are.

I first learnt about the Speed Freaks through Hagley parkrun. I noticed the blue shirts turning up on a weekly basis. I’m not sure exactly when I realised what they were about but once I did I couldn’t help myself but to be involved.

Staying active through recovery is incredibly important and my hobbies are running and tramping. I heard about Speed Freaks through my employment at the Salvation Army and I wanted to get involved because I was looking for another activity that encouraged health and fitness.

I heard about Speed Freaks through my former Peer Support Worker about two years ago and I asked if I could join. I first got involved with people I knew and I felt really excited to join a support group that does running. I thought this would be perfect for me and my mental health, and it definitely helps me stay well.

I am in my seventies and in 2023 I trained to be a Speed Freaks coach. I don’t have any prior experience of people recovering from addiction, but I have had family members who have been at a point of suicide. In my working life I also had to deal with apprentices who were in need of someone to talk with.

Addiction does not discriminate. It impacts all parts of society.

As a volunteer coach for the Speed Freaks I can tell you it is more than a walk/run group. When people finish their programmes they still have Speed Freaks to fall back on and they know that the coaches and other runners will be there to support them. It is such a good community that has been created, friendships have been made. Everyone wearing the blue shirt is equal.

Rachel started parkrun because she wanted an activity that wasn’t focussed on weight loss, and as a student at the time it helped that parkrun was also free! Over time, Rachel began to volunteer and eventually became a Run Director at her local parkrun.

Merrilyn has volunteered at parkrun more than 440 times and has never completed the 5km course. Merrilyn reveals how parkrun has had a transformational effect on her mental health and given her newfound confidence.

Laurinda cried the first time she went to parkrun and swore she would never return. But thankfully Laurinda did come back, and began to enjoy it so much that she volunteered to start another parkrun on the other side of town.

Janet and her husband moved to Australia in 2014. As retirees they had to actively make the effort to make friends in their adopted homeland, so they went to parkrun to try to meet a few people. Eleven years later they have an enormous circle of friends!

Janine explains how becoming a Run Director at parkrun has increased her confidence and had a positive impact on her life.

Maria’s home parkrun is two hours from the nearest town. On a Saturday morning, Maria loves nothing more than walking into the desert to spend time with the native wildlife and direct people around this outback parkrun course as a volunteer marshal.

When Leela changed her gender marker from male to female it reinforced to her how inclusive the parkrun community is, and she now uses volunteering as a way of supporting others starting their own parkrun story.

Amy was teased at school about the way she ran, so when she did go running she did so alone. Amy was incredibly nervous before her first parkrun, but she quickly made friends and discovered that, for her, volunteering at parkrun is better than running.

Melanie tragically lost her teenage daughter to the flu and became very sick herself, spending three days in ICU and three weeks in hospital. Unable to walk when she was discharged, Melanie registered with parkrun and built up to walking 5k. Melanie now walks and volunteers at parkrun, and it's the people she's met there who keep her coming back.

Beck was a Canberra parkrunner who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer at just 47, having never been a smoker. Before she passed away at the age of 50, Beck was determined to share her story of how parkrun gave her a sense of normality during her treatment and had a positive impact on her mental health.