The Ultimate Guide to parkrun

* The most complete guide to parkrun ever published

* Packed with fun and information for runners and volunteers

'A brilliant emotive book which spreads the joy and love of parkrun' - Dame Kelly Holmes

'Wonderful' - Lisa Jackson, Runner's World

Saturday mornings have a quiet magic. With a simple 5K route, a printed barcode and a handful of volunteers in high-vis, parkrun turns an ordinary weekend into something brighter: a free, friendly, timed 5k that welcomes runners, joggers, walkers, families, first-timers and athletes alike.

The Ultimate Guide to parkrun: Everything You Need to Know About the Friendliest 5K in the World is your companion to this global movement. Written with warmth and clarity by Lucy Waterlow, it’s part insider’s handbook, part practical running guide — perfect whether you’re searching “parkrun for beginners”, chasing a new PB, or simply curious about what makes this Saturday morning ritual so addictive.

New to parkrun? This book answers the questions that can feel oddly daunting before your first event: What actually happens on the day? How do you register? Why is the barcode so important? What should you do at the start line? And what do the results mean when they land in your inbox? You’ll learn the essentials, from decoding finish times and positions to understanding age grading, milestones, and the unique parkrun etiquette that makes the whole experience feel safe, inclusive and fun.

Already a regular? You’ll discover the deeper culture that keeps people coming back. Explore café culture, “not parkrun” meet-ups, and the joy of turning up for others as much as for yourself. Meet the parkrunners in all their variety — front runners and keep-fitters, dog runners and buggy runners, family runners and milestone markers, participants with disabilities, first timers and walkers — and see your own story reflected in theirs.

And then there are the high-vis heroes. If you’ve ever wondered how a weekly timed event runs like clockwork, Chapter Three takes you behind the scenes. From Run Director to marshal, timekeeper to barcode scanner, finish tokens to funnel manager, tail walker to pacer, the volunteer roles are explained with a respect that may just persuade you to put your hand up. Volunteering at parkrun isn’t “helping out”; it’s how the community works —and it can be every bit as rewarding as running the course.

Because parkrun is about more than fitness. This guide explores the physical health benefits of regular movement and the mental health lift that comes from fresh air, routine and belonging. It looks at parkrun on prescription, the power of community impact, and stories of resilience—showing why parkrun has become a favourite among those seeking motivation, wellbeing, confidence and connection.

If your curiosity extends beyond your home course, you’ll love the travel inspiration too. Discover parkrun around the world, plus bucket-list ideas for parkrun tourism—whether you’re planning a weekend away, a running holiday, or a personal challenge. And for those who like goals, you’ll find training tips, speed sessions and practical advice to get faster, alongside an introduction to popular parkrun challenges and the apps that help you track progress.

Finally, the book looks ahead: where parkrun is going, how results and stats may evolve, and who still feels left out—and what could change. There’s even a clear, encouraging chapter on how to set up your own parkrun, covering course considerations and what it takes to build a thriving event.

Inside you’ll find:

• A clear, friendly explanation of how parkrun works (registration, barcode, start line, finish funnel and results)
• A simple guide to parkrun milestones, age grading and common parkrun jargon
• A tour of the parkrun community—runners, joggers and walkers of every pace and background
• An honest look at volunteering roles, from first timers’ welcome to token sorting
• Health and wellbeing insights: motivation, mental health, confidence and community support
• Training and inspiration for 5k running, including tips to improve your time and chase a PB
• Destination ideas and parkrun tourism suggestions, plus bucket lists in the UK and beyond
• A practical overview of how new parkruns are created, for anyone who wants to bring parkrun to their area

Whether you love running books, fitness motivation, walking challenges, or simply want to feel part of something positive, The Ultimate Guide to parkrun belongs on your shelf. Open it the night before your first parkrun, or read it on the train to your next one—and then step into Saturday morning with confidence, curiosity and a smile.

Reviews

'With 224 fact-packed pages, beautifully illustrated with 150 photographs, this is not just any guide to parkrun as it says on the cover – it is the ultimate guide to parkrun. As a former sub-20-minute participant with 171 runs and 111 volunteer credits, I thought I knew everything about the Saturday morning 5K ritual. However, having read Lucy Waterlow’s brilliant book, my eyes have been opened.' – Alan Newman, Run ABC Scotland

It is a book for everyone, the committed parkrunner, those just starting out on their parkrun journey and people who have yet to try a parkrun. – Trailrunning man

About the Author

Lucy Waterlow is a journalist, ghostwriter and author who has contributed to national newspapers and specialist publications such as Runner’s World and Women’s Running.

She is a keen amateur runner and a qualified England Athletics coach in running fitness. She is co-author of Nell McAndrew's Guide To Running and Run Mummy Run: Inspiring Women to be Fit, Healthy and Happy.

She loves parkrun and regularly takes part in her local parkrun. She has drawn up training plans in the book for completing a 5k below 30 minutes, 25 minutes and 20 minutes.

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