Every Saturday morning, in the area around Bushy Park, over 1000 people get out of bed and take their kids, buggies or even dogs to the Bushy Parkrun. For some, the Parkrun provides a weekly opportunity to test their speed and endurance over 5 kilometres, but for others it is an opportunity to go for a jog in one of England’s most beautiful and historic Royal Parks, and afterwards have a coffee with friends and perhaps a well-earned muffin!
The Bushy Parkrun began in October 2004, and has since grown to become a global running phenomenon. There are Parkruns all over the world and each one has become a community that many use as a chance to socialise with people in the local area or even a way to explore different places in England or numerous other countries.
The Bushy Parkrun was formerly known as the Bushy Park Time Trial. In its early days, the Time Trial attracted only elite runners who ran competitively and used the weekly 5k as an opportunity to train. However, with the change of name to Parkrun and the introduction of age-graded results, more and more people began to catch the running bug that has now gone global. The Parkrun provides an opportunity for everyone with different goals, from finishing the course in less than 15 minutes, to those who aim to simply complete the course.
The Parkrun has evolved through the years and with it, the community feel and atmosphere has become stronger each year. This is largely due to the vast number of volunteers, who organise the Parkrun and also encourage the runners. Having spoken to longstanding members of the Parkrun, Pat and Anne, it is clear that the friendly and tight-knit community feel is what drives the appeal of the parkrun for so many. As Pat summed up ‘The rapport between the marshals and the runners is just great.’
One of the major attractions of the Bushy Parkrun is the unique history of Bushy Park. Historically, Bushy Park played host to King Henry VIII and his royal hunting entourage and a little more recently, was also one of the bases for the allied troops prior to the D-Day landings in WWII. So, for many, the run can be an opportunity to take a 5k trip through history, whilst others simply enjoy the stunning scenery.
So, if you are normally at home on a Saturday morning, and to keep fit in a fun, social environment, meet new people in your community or even want some fresh air in a beautiful environment, put on your trainers and jog down to Bushy Park, the home of the Parkrun. Whether it is the lush green ferns of summer or the frosty bracken in winter, the views across the park, interspersed with birds, dogs and deer make for a wonderful way to begin the weekend.
Henry Sheen
Hampton School
