The power of Parkrun
“You’ve never been a runner Elise”. These were the words of my old high school PE teacher, when she spotted me at the start line of our local Parkrun in Cairns. A truer word was never spoken. I’d lumbered through every running activity at school, and my report card had tactfully read that I lacked skill and natural ability but at least demonstrated enthusiasm.
During a particularly stressful time in medical school however, I’d been convinced to try out at the local Parkrun, a free timed community 5km run. It took me almost an hour to stagger across the finish line, and I was lapped by a patient I’d seen admitted with an exacerbation of COPD the week before.
Despite this, I was buoyed by a sense of achievement, and the warm support of the volunteers. I started attending sporadically, and was pleased to see my finish time slowly improve. When I travelled to rural locations for placement, I found a sense of community and routine in attending the local Parkrun. And with two tail-walkers bringing up the rear, no participant has to fear finishing last.
Before I knew it, Saturday morning runs had become my regular routine. When COVID hit and Parkrun was cancelled, I found myself running on other days of the week. Five years after my first Parkrun, I still get lapped by octogenarians but have managed to run Parkrun in four different countries and two half marathons. I’m proudest of my PB (patting best), of 14 dogs patted at a single Parkrun (2.9 dogs per kilometre!).
Parkrun has been a life changing activity, encouraging me to focus on my health and fitness and stay involved with the community as I’ve navigated the challenges of being a doctor in training. Across Australia, over a million people have completed a Parkrun, and Parkruns are held everywhere from tiny rural towns to metropolitan capital cities. Some GPs have even taken to social prescribing, prescribing Parkrun for their patients. I’d encourage all healthcare professionals to give it a go and encourage their patients to join in Parkrun as well!