From one event with 13 runners to a global movement that’s transformed lives—this is the story of how parkrun came to be.

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the founder of parkrun, to hear the inspiring story behind one of the world’s most powerful community movements.

What started as a small time trial during a difficult period in Paul’s life became a lifeline—not just for him, but for millions around the world.

🏃‍♂️ The Birth of parkrun – How injury and isolation led to an idea that would redefine community running

❤️ Family & Connection – Why Paul wishes he had parkrun as a child, and the special bond it fosters between generations

🤝 The Volunteer Spirit – How the volunteer-led model makes parkrun one of the most welcoming and supportive environments in sport

📖 Stories That Inspire – The moving, real-life accounts of people whose lives have been changed by showing up on Saturday mornings

⏱️ Why Slower Is Better – The surprising and powerful reason the average parkrun finish time is getting slower

Paul shares the lessons he’s learned, the magic that makes parkrun what it is, and the power of running’s community.

📘 One Small Step by Paul Sinton-Hewitt is published on 10th April 2025.

👉 Get your copy here

✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃‍♀️

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Paul Sinton-Hewitt: The parkrun Founder Who Transformed Running Forever

The Runna Podcast

Paul Sinton-Hewitt: The parkrun Founder Who Transformed Running Forever