Parkrun turns 200 with Newport celebration
Newport parkrun helped mark the 20th birthday of parkrun this weekend as the nation came together to celebrate.
Chris Davies, National Coordinator for Wales (Volunteer), attended on the morning with parkrun Global CEO, Russ Jefferys also in attendance, Davies said: “The sun shone over National Trust’s Tredegar House this morning for today’s celebrations of the 20-year anniversary of parkrun.
“Amongst the 333 finishers and 42 volunteers at Newport parkrun were our local MP Jessica Morden, our Senedd Members & representatives from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Sport Wales and Welsh Athletics, all experiencing at first hand the health and well-being benefits of parkrun.
“parkrun is only just reaching adulthood at 20 and just thinking of what lies ahead is so exciting.
“We expect to reach 100 events in Wales by 2027, all improving the health & well-being of its participants.”
Tredegar House is the setting for Newport parkrun, which is one of the first parkruns to begin in Wales way back in 2011, now the community events across the nation have grown to 81 including 54 5ks, 3 custodial and 24 junior parkruns with over 2500 volunteers helping make it all happen.
Alistair Church, a local GP, keen parkrunner and 5K Your Way ambassador, explained: “I am a GP and have been parkrunning for many years – I love it.
“So much of what we do in primary care concerns preventive medicine and improving patient’s wellbeing, 70% of life limiting diseases can be negatively affected by our lifestyle choices.
“Aside from smoking, weight and diet are the main drivers for preventable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, stroke, and some cancers.
“The National institute for clinical excellence (NICE) primary advice for the management osteoarthritis is to encourage exercise and parkrun is a great way of encouraging everyone, regardless of ability, to exercise.
“That can be walking or running, endorphins are released, dopamine levels increase, lungs expand, arteries open, muscles are strengthen and balance improved.
“In short, we feel better, well at least afterwards!
“There is good evidence that the number of social interactions we have is one of the big positive indicators for health and parkrun provides a great environment to meet, talk and exercise together.
“It is free, readily available and open to all – a true win-win!
“parkrun is a vital resource in improving the health of our nation.”
Since its inception in 2004, parkruns now take place in more than 2500 locations across 23 countries every single weekend and there are 10 million parkrunners registered across the world to the charity.
In the picturesque backdrop of Tredegar House, a National Trust property, there was lots of runners, walkers and volunteers celebrating the anniversary and showcasing the transformational health initiative that parkrun truly is, Lizzie Smith-Jones, General Manager, South East Wales, National Trust added: “We’re proud to be hosting parkrun’s 20th anniversary at Tredegar House.
“The National Trust shares parkrun’s passion for bringing people together to enjoy the outdoors, promoting both physical wellbeing and a connection with nature.
“It’s a fantastic way for our community to experience the beauty of Tredegar’s parkland while staying active.”
You can find your nearest event to run, walk, jog or volunteer at www.parkrun.org.uk
