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Original poster

Thinking of doing ParkRun?

35 replies

Flowers99 · 04/04/2026 18:09

i know there are so many people debating to go to ParkRun due to all the threads on here. I’ve read every single once since i first registered for ParkRun in 2019…..and have only actually gone to my first one in 2026 😂

but after 7 years, I finally mustered up the courage and went back again for second one today. I am incredibly unfit and would guesstimate I walked 50% (at least) but it’s such a good feeling to finish! The volunteers around the course are really encouraging and it’s just generally a lovely vibe.

there’s the sprinters who over lap, the 60 year olds who put the generation below them to shame with their outstanding fitness, there’s people running with dogs, mums and dads with toddlers in tow and some running with prams, walkers, jog / walkers and anything else you can imagine.

the volunteer tail walker is always ‘last’, but honestly I finished 10th from last in nearly 700 people and I wasn’t made to feel any less of a ParkRunner than anyone who finished before me.

so I’m just here to say, if you’re thinking about it give it a go!

OP posts:
Littletreefrog · 04/04/2026 21:14

I'm a tail walker and not one of those tail walkers that's usually a runner and doing something to 'give back' I'm a tail walker because I would be last anyway so may as well make myself useful while I'm back there. Plenty of people walk, plenty of people walk alone and some even walk as slow as me and I either chat to them or hang back a little behind them depending on what it seems like they want.

OhOneOhTwoOhThree · 04/04/2026 21:04

writingsonthewall · 04/04/2026 20:50

You really can just go alone and blend in. It’s honestly not a big deal and nobody will pay the slightest bit of attention to you being alone

Show quote history

And yes, there are people who tell you where to go. There is a first timers' briefing usually about 10 to 9, who will explain the course and what to do at the end, how to get your barcode scanned etc. My local is 2 and half laps of a local park so you can't get lost, although sometimes people mis-count and finish too early Smile . More complicated ones have marshals to point you in the right direction and cheer you on along the route.

writingsonthewall · 04/04/2026 20:50

Happywalnut · 04/04/2026 20:45

I want to go but need to find somebody to go with me. How does it work? Are there people to tell you where to go? I think I’d end up lost otherwise 🤣

You really can just go alone and blend in. It’s honestly not a big deal and nobody will pay the slightest bit of attention to you being alone

writingsonthewall · 04/04/2026 20:49

bigsoftcocks · 04/04/2026 20:37

I’m thinking of starting it but I cannot run. 🏃‍♀️ So I’d be walking all the way around. I thought that was normal from what I’d read. Maybe not !

Yes it’s absolutely fine and plenty of people do

Happywalnut · 04/04/2026 20:45

I want to go but need to find somebody to go with me. How does it work? Are there people to tell you where to go? I think I’d end up lost otherwise 🤣

Illbefinejustbloodyfine · 04/04/2026 20:40

Im gearing up to go, havent been for 13 years (and about 5 stone lighter 😬) and started running again a few months ago.

bigsoftcocks · 04/04/2026 20:37

I’m thinking of starting it but I cannot run. 🏃‍♀️ So I’d be walking all the way around. I thought that was normal from what I’d read. Maybe not !

Original poster
Flowers99 · 04/04/2026 20:12

@legosnowqueen go for it! If you download the app you can add a specific event to your Parkrun calendar which adds a bit of accountability. I’ve just done the next 4 weeks so I don’t talk myself out of it!

@Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g that’s amazing and I feel the same, I hope I commit to it long term because without it I’ll end up even more unfit!

OP posts:
legosnowqueen · 04/04/2026 18:18

I’m determined to start this month!

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 04/04/2026 18:17

Great to hear! I'm even closer to the tailwalkers than you are. I love parkrun and without it I would be even more unfit than I am.

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