How Parkrun Changed Our Lives by Eileen Jones

How Parkrun Changed Our Lives is a heart-warming and inspiring book by Eileen Jones that tells the story of how the Parkrun movement has transformed the lives of people all around the world. Parkrun is a free, weekly, 5km timed run that takes place at over 2,000 locations in 21 countries. It was started in 2004 by a man named Paul Sinton-Hewitt in his local park in London, and has since grown to become a global phenomenon, with millions of participants.

The book is structured around a series of personal stories from Parkrun participants from a diverse range of backgrounds and locations. These stories are woven together to create a tapestry of the positive impact that Parkrun has had on people’s lives. Many of the participants have overcome physical or mental health challenges, or used Parkrun as a way to get back into shape after a period of inactivity. Others have used it as a way to connect with their communities and make new friends.

One of the most striking things about the book is the sheer diversity of the Parkrun participants. There are stories from people of all ages, from children to senior citizens, and from all walks of life. Some of the participants are seasoned runners, while others are new to the sport. What they all have in common is a love of running and a desire to be part of a supportive and inclusive community.

One of the stories that particularly resonated with us was that of a woman named Sarah, who had been suffering from depression and anxiety. She had been inactive for a long time, and was struggling to find the motivation to get out of bed in the morning. However, after discovering Parkrun, she found a sense of purpose and belonging that had been missing from her life. She started running regularly, and eventually worked her way up to running a half marathon. She credits Parkrun with helping her to overcome her mental health issues and find joy in life again.

Another inspiring story is that of a man named David, who had been inactive for years due to a chronic health condition. He was overweight and had high blood pressure, and was struggling to find the motivation to make positive lifestyle changes. However, after discovering Parkrun, he started running regularly and was able to lose weight, lower his blood pressure, and improve his overall health. He credits Parkrun with giving him the confidence and support he needed to make lasting changes to his life.

One of the things that sets Parkrun apart from other running events is its emphasis on inclusivity and community. Participants are encouraged to walk, jog, or run at their own pace, and there is no pressure to compete or set personal records. This creates a welcoming and supportive environment that is open to people of all abilities and fitness levels.

Another unique aspect of Parkrun is its strong sense of community and volunteerism. Each event is organized and run by volunteers, who give up their time to ensure that the event runs smoothly and safely. This sense of giving back and helping others is a key part of the Parkrun ethos, and helps to create a positive and uplifting atmosphere at each event.

Overall, How Parkrun Changed Our Lives is a beautifully written and inspiring book that showcases the transformative power of running and community. Whether you are an avid runner or just someone looking for a supportive and inclusive community, this book is sure to inspire you to lace up your sneakers and join the Parkrun movement. We would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves running or is looking for a supportive and inclusive community to be a part of.