The motivations and unexpected benefits of parkrun participation

At this week’s lunch and learn session, we heard from Dr Charlotte Benkowitz about her work with parkrun survey data – one of the largest datasets of its kind.

With over 78,000 responses, the survey links self-reported data with participants’ parkrun records. This provides a detailed picture of who takes part in parkrun, what motivates them, and what they get out of it.

Charlotte shared some of the many headline findings. While there’s often an assumption that parkrun mainly attracts the already-fit and middle class, the data indicates a more inclusive story. Around 32% of respondents live in the most deprived areas (IMD quartiles 1 and 2), which aligns closely with the national population.

There were also some interesting demographic patterns. For example, more younger females and more older males responded, and key interest groups included people with health conditions and from ethnic minority backgrounds. Importantly, the data suggests that typically, participants’ physical activity levels increase after they sign up to parkrun.

People’s motivations for taking part were often about personal goals, including increasing fitness and improving health. But some of the strongest benefits turned out to be things people didn’t necessarily expect like a sense of community or meeting new people.

This kind of detailed evidence is important for parkrun. It helps them advocate for funding and support from government and other partners. Similar surveys in Australia and Ireland have echoed the UK findings (although Ireland regularly reports even stronger positive outcomes!)

The session sparked discussion about where this work could go next. We discussed the potential to explore things at a more local level, exploring what’s happening in specific communities and neighbourhoods.

Other future directions might include investigating at junior parkrun and exploring how participation might boost physical activity literacy in children and families.

Thanks to Charlotte for sharing this fascinating work!