parkrun recently recorded its 100 millionth instance of participation globally and in the same month achieved the almost unbelievable number of nine million registered parkrunners.

parkrun initially started in 2004 with 18 participants – 13 runners and five volunteers and it was over the first weekend in November 2023 that the 100 millionth global participation was achieved! The 100 million consists of 10 million instances of volunteer participation and 90 million instances of walking, jogging or running at a Saturday 5K parkrun or Sunday 2K junior parkrun.

Nine million registered park runners is a number that must even make founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt's mind boggle! When he started the initiative back in 2004 he never would have imagined the way in which parkrun has touched the lives of so many, and in so many parts of the world.

Those in charge are not resting on their laurels though, saying: "It is parkrun’s mission to transform health and happiness by empowering people to come together, be active and social outdoors in their community, and this shows how many people we have positively impacted over the past 19 years.

"We aim to double the size of parkrun within the next five years and help even more people."

How about helping add to these phenomenal statistics by taking part in one of the many New Year's Day parkruns that will be taking place up and down the country? A quick look at the Christmas Compendium of special events shows that there are myriad runs on offer whether you hail from the South, Midlands, North or Scotland!

How about Manchester's Alexandra parkrun or Agnew parkrun in Stranraer? Looking further south we see there will be a January 1st event at Basingstoke parkrun (pictured) and Braunstone parkrun in Leicester. Really though, the choice is yours. Run close to home, or if you're visiting family for the festive season why not be a parkrun tourist for New Year's Day?

For more information, visit the parkrun website. 

Image: Basingstoke parkrun