Fifteen years ago, a small group of runners gathered for the very first Reading Parkrun at Prospect Park. What started as a simple, free 5k run has since evolved into a vibrant community event, now located at Thames Valley Park. Every Saturday at 9am, participants of all ages and abilities come together for a healthy, social start to the weekend.
Over the past 15 years, Reading Parkrun has achieved remarkable milestones. Since the very first event in 2009, an incredible 22,464 participants have taken part, completing 161,178 runs. To put that into perspective, that’s the equivalent of running to the moon and back—or circling the Earth 20 times!
Reading Parkrun originally kicked off in Prospect Park, but after a few months, it moved to TVP to accommodate the growing number of participants and to take advantage of its scenic riverside route. Thames Valley Park has since become the permanent home of Reading Parkrun, offering a flat, beautiful course along the Thames.
However, due to the increasing popularity of Parkrun, a new Prospect Parkrun event was launched in June 2018, providing locals with an additional location and the chance to experience a different Parkrun course. Today, Reading has two thriving Parkrun events, each offering a unique atmosphere and sense of community.
One of the key reasons Reading Parkrun has thrived for 15 years is its welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. Whether you’re an experienced runner chasing a personal best or someone looking to enjoy a morning walk, everyone is encouraged to join. The event is entirely free, made possible by volunteers who dedicate their time and energy each week.
Since its inception, Reading Parkrun has been about more than just running. It’s about building a sense of community, promoting health and well-being, and making fitness accessible to all. Many participants have shared stories of how Parkrun has helped them stay active, make new friends, and improve their mental and physical health.
As we celebrate 15 years of Reading Parkrun, we’re excited to see the event continue to grow, bringing even more people together every Saturday at Thames Valley Park. If you haven’t joined yet, now’s the perfect time to get involved—whether you’re running, walking, or simply cheering others on!
To learn more or sign up, click here!
