Why I Love Parkrun (And Why You Might Too)
Long Runs vs. Speed Work
I love long, slow runs. There’s nothing better than heading out on a quiet trail, settling into an easy rhythm, and just letting the miles roll by. But every once in a while, I realize I’ve been avoiding the thing every runner knows they should do: speed work.
That’s where Parkrun comes in.
My Saturday Morning Reset
On Saturday mornings, I lace up my shoes and head to my local Parkrun. There’s always a buzz in the air — walkers, kids, stroller-pushing parents, and some seriously fast runners all gathering at the start line. The best part? It’s totally free.
I usually get there early and do 5km before the race then use the 5km park run as a tempo run. Once the timer counts us down, I get pulled along by the energy of the group. Suddenly, I’m running faster than I thought I could. Once the Parkrun is over I will do another 5km or so at an easy pace to get in my kilometres for the day. It’s a great way to break up a long run and get some speed work in.
What Makes Parkrun Special
Over time, I’ve realized Parkrun is about so much more than speed:
It’s welcoming. Nobody cares if you’re first or last — every finisher gets a cheer.
It’s consistent. Rain, snow, or shine, it’s there every Saturday morning.
It’s motivating. Having an official time each week helps me track progress without the pressure of a race.
It’s social. Afterward, people often head out for coffee or stick around to chat. Some of my best running conversations have started that way.
How Parkrun Fits Into My Training
Parkrun has become my favorite way to sprinkle in speed without overthinking it. I don’t need a track or a structured workout. I just show up, run hard, and let the atmosphere push me. It balances out all those long, easy runs I love — and keeps me honest about my fitness.
Final Thoughts
Parkrun is simple: free, weekly, welcoming 5Ks that bring people together. For me, it’s the perfect mix — a chance to push the pace, connect with the community, and leave the park smiling.
If you’ve never tried one, I’d encourage you to check your local Parkrun this Saturday. You might go for speed like I do, or you might just walk and enjoy the company. Either way, you’ll finish feeling glad you came.
👉 Find your nearest event at the official Parkrun website.