Parkrun 20th anniversary - Burgess parkrun #536 - 05/10/24

Myself, Ken, Ellen and children. Photo credit Samuel Olara

On 2nd October 2004 a state of emergency was declared in the Gaza Strip with a call for international aid.

On the same day, in Bushy Park, London, 13 runners and 5 volunteers gathered for a free, timed 5k run, which was then called Bushy Park Time Trial, that has evolved into what we now know as parkrun.  

To commemorate parkrun’s success and contribution to running worldwide the magazine Runner’s World published an article on 2nd October about its phenomenal success.  The article includes an interview with me which you can read by clicking here.

Today I volunteered at Burgess parkrun, doing the course check. I then walked the parkrun at 9am with Ellen and her youngest son, Geoffrey. I know Ellen from attending parkrun and was invited to her wedding back in 2015. Her husband, Ken was one of the ‘team’ that accompanied me on my Burgess Marathon last week (he was running without his children). Ellen and Ken are a perfect example of the wonderful relationships I’ve made since attending Burgess parkrun all as a result of its inception 20 years ago.

At Ellen and Ken's wedding in 2015 with Shveta, Maureen and Chris, Event Directors old and new.

To commemorate the 20th anniversary, one of the sponsors of parkrun, Brooks has released a special edition running shoe, the Ghost 16. You can buy it by clicking here

Martin and Josephine sporting her Brooks parkrun running shoes.

Here’s looking forward to another 20 years of running, walking, community service and perhaps at least one more personal best. 

Stay well and happy running

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