One of the world’s most popular fitness events – parkrun – comes to Ambleside Park on Saturday 9th July 2022, at 9 am and every week at the same time thereafter. Parkrun is a free, weekly event to run, jog or walk 5k, organised by volunteers, in parks, along promenades, on forest trails, or wherever is suitable.
Ambleside parkrun starts and finishes beside the Ferry Building and Ambleside Pier.
Launched in London, England in 2004, parkrun has become the biggest movement for physical activity in the world, with: 6 million registered participants, 350,000 people taking part each week, 2000 events, in 21 countries.
Parkrun is social
From the very beginning, parkrun has always been a community event promoting social connections as much as physical activity. So participants are encouraged to head to a local café – in our case Bean Around the World/ Anchor Eatery – after every event. Participants aged 4 to 99+ are welcome at parkrun.
Parkrun is inclusive
Everybody is welcome at parkrun, and although many elite runners take part, it does not matter how fast participants are. They can run, jog, walk (or volunteer) accompanied by friends, family, children, even with strollers. Children from the age of four can take part, but for those under 11, we ask that a parent/guardian is within arm’s reach at all times. The events use a simple system to give registered participants a time for their 5k, with incentive T-shirts awarded after reaching milestones (10 events for kids, 25 for adults).
Parkrun promotes well-being
Jatinder Sidhu, Event Director for the Ambleside parkrun, is assembling a team of volunteers to prepare for the launch event, and invites running, jogging and walking enthusiasts to become part of the parkrun community. “We’re so excited to be able to bring this amazing event – promoting well-being and inclusivity – to this glorious location and would like to thank the District of West Vancouver for giving us permission to start it here’,” he said. “With its mission statement – ‘to create a healthier and happier planet’ – I’m hoping that people in the community who need a little extra motivation to be active will try out Ambleside parkrun, and enjoy the opportunity to connect with others in the same boat,“ he added.
To get involved, participants and volunteers can register for free at parkrun.ca/ambleside, and updates will be posted at the Facebook group: facebook.com/amblesideparkrun.
