Prescribing parkrun
In honour of Love Your Parks week, we’re focusing on the benefits of parkrun and why the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) advocates its use as a ‘prescription’ to enhance health and wellbeing, potentially reducing the need for long-term medication.
Parkrun began as a modest gathering in Bushy Park, London, in 2004, where 13 friends participated in a timed 5km run. Today, it has evolved into a global event with over 350,000 participants worldwide every Saturday. Parkrun has become a staple activity for runners of all abilities.
In 2018, the RCGP collaborated with parkrun, encouraging GPs to promote it to their patients. Since then, research has highlighted the positive impact on individuals with various chronic conditions, including diabetes and depression.
Three benefits of parkrun
1. Increases life expectancy
A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine analysed health data from over 30 million people in the UK and found that walking for at least 11 minutes daily could reduce the risk of premature death by nearly 25%.
2. Reduces risk of serious health concerns
Research published in the British Journal of General Practice indicated that over 9% of participants and 45% of walkers had at least one long-term health condition, such as arthritis, obesity, hypertension, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or Type 2 diabetes. Regardless of their finish time, participants reported improved physical health.
3. Improves mental health
A 2018 study by Glasgow Caledonian University revealed that 89% of parkrunners felt happier, had improved mental health, and enhanced body image through participation.
In fact, you don’t even have to run to feel the benefits. A Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) survey involving over 60,000 parkrunners found that volunteering at parkrun also provided benefits. Eighty-four per cent of volunteers reported feeling happier due to their involvement.
This community connection, an essential aspect of parkrun, contributes to its success.
If you wish to join in and experience the benefits of parkrun, the Billericay parkrun takes place every Saturday at Lake Meadows Park at 9 am. Or for more advice on making sustainable lifestyle changes to improve health and reduce disease risk, call 01277 568562 to make an appointment with one of our GPs.
