One millionth parkrun takes place in the UK that has gone around the world (UK/Global) 13/Jun/2026

The founder of parkrun praised "the benefit and the joy of taking part" as the community initiative passed its one millionth event today. The first parkrun was held at Bushy Park in south-west London 22 years ago when Paul Sinton-Hewitt organised "a little event" to see his friends on a Saturday morning. He told BBC London: "Thirteen people plus five volunteers pitched up. We ran round the park, we went for coffee - and so it all began." Explaining why he thought parkrun's weekly events had become such a phenomenon, he said: "There's no cost to those taking part. We make it all about doing something physical in the park and then focusing on the social element." Amazing parkrun celebrates millionth event. Man in first ever Parkrun doubted it would catch on. Parkrun founder shares how the events help his mental health. One millionth parkrun takes place with Dame Kelly Holmes among runners. #parkruns #parkrun #parkrun2026 #onemillionth #onemillionthparkrun