From zero to hero - Celebrating Shveta’s 500th parkrun - smiling all the way - Burgess parkrun #590 - 29/11/25
- aqasanu
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Back in July 2013, my wife, Shveta Shah, reluctantly got out of bed at what she called ‘an ungodly hour’ and came out to Burgess parkrun to complete her first-ever 5k. Little did she know that this would transform her life in ways she never imagined.Â
Shveta did not come from a sports-oriented background, nor did she participate in sports during her school years. According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, ‘Physical inactivity is prevalent among South Asian women worldwide and in the UK, particularly with regards to leisure-time physical activity’. It reveals that in England, physical activity levels among South Asians are approximately 60% lower than among White British individuals, with South Asian women being the least active.
Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the founder of parkrun, had the goal to create an inclusive environment that encouraged everyone to participate. What Shveta found at Burgess parkrun was precisely this: a warm, welcoming and supportive community where she felt free from judgement about her body shape or times. A space where she could walk, run, volunteer and fully engage without fear; and a place she could get involved.
What has followed has been nothing short of extraordinary, with Shveta increasing her confidence, strength and love of running. Completing parkruns in 10 different countries over 116 different events. She has graduated to running organised 10k and half-marathons too. With 209 volunteering credits across Saturday and Sunday events, and being a valued member of the Kennington junior parkrun team, Shveta’s natural glow has become a whole heap brighter. Â
Despite not making a big deal about her parkrun milestones, word had spread with people travelling from far and wide to celebrate this special occasion with her.Â
The banana team baked delicious cakes, the Ugandan crew brought traditional mandazi, and volunteers from Kennington Park junior parkrun brought a wonderful handmade card. Congratulations were offered as we ran the course, me pushing the buggy behind with her daughter looking on as her mummy took her well-deserved applause.Â
Our LonDone and international parkrun buddies came. Gemma had coordinated to run her 400th parkrun and, with such good vibes in the air, bagged a season's best, and Kristy recorded an all-time best by 32secs! Another Saturday to remember for all who assembled.  Â
Congratulations Shveta, 500 parkruns is a mighty achievement. May you wear the 500 club merchandise with pride. Thank you for being such a beautiful member of this community, a role model and a star to our daughter. May we have many more parkrun adventures, running, walking, volunteering, making more friends and exploring the world together.
Stay well and happy running, walking or volunteering.
Currently, over 1.5 million women are registered participants with parkrun. With its focus on encouraging participation rather than times, it has enabled many to find their love of running and a place of community. You can read about how parkrun was created by the founder, Paul Sinton-Hewitt, a care leaver, in his book ‘One Small Step’ The Definitive Account of how a run became a Global Movement by clicking here.
