According to the remarkably detailed Elliotline parkrun stats, Saturday 3 May 2025 saw a record for participation in the UK, with 833 parkruns and more than 230,000 parkrunners (plus 31,000 junior parkrunners) supported by more than 30,000 volunteers.

The biggest UK parkrun was Bushy Park (1,698) and the smallest was Garvagh Forest, Coleraine, Northern Ireland (19). Perhaps the most stunning statistic was the number of new parkrun registrations, as 33,378 people got their parkrun barcode and 20,338 took their first steps towards a healthier and more fulfilling life by participating in their inaugural parkrun.

Worldwide, there were 2,102 parkruns with 379,000 parkrunners (plus 33,000 junior parkrunners) enabled by over 47,000 volunteers. 

Despite this exponential growth, with 5K parkrun participation up by 7.4% in the UK over the previous weekend, the parkrun UK office is not resting on its laurels. Four days after the record was broken, parkrun UK issued a blog titled: Mythbusters at the ready!

The purpose was to dispel a number – eight to be precise – myths believed to be responsible for some people not obtaining their parkrun barcode and turning up for their 'first-timers' parkrun briefing.

One of the great truisms about running is that the hardest step is the first one out of the front door. That 'crossing the threshold' feeling is emphasised tenfold, with additional trepidation, when participation in anything resembling competition is involved.

And parkrun does have some similarities with athletic events. Times are recorded, there are official roles for volunteers, some rules to be followed, and you do have to bring your barcode!

But these restrictions are kept to the minimum necessary to ensure everyone's safety and delivered with a light and friendly touch by people who care about parkrun and all its participants, fast or not so fast.

The parkrun blog pulls no punches as it busts myths like you have to be a 'fast' runner; you can't walk at parkrun; you will be judged; it's really competitive; it requires a big commitment; going alone is scary; you need special skills to volunteer, and you can't run if you volunteer.

All these things are untrue, and the best way to find out is to register for that all-important barcode and use it! Find your nearest parkrun here. Register for your parkrun barcode here.

Photo courtesy of parkrun Marketing