Community Runs

You Don’t Need to Be a Runner to Belong Here

Maybe you’ve seen groups of people in running gear gathering at your local park on Saturday mornings. Maybe you’ve wondered if you could join them, then talked yourself out of it because you’re “not a real runner.” Here’s what you need to know: those gatherings are community runs, and you absolutely belong there.

Community runs are free, weekly timed events where hundreds of people run, jog, or walk a set distance together. Just our community, moving together, without pressure to perform.

Whether it’s your first kilometer or your thousandth, whether you run the whole way or walk with friends, you’re a runner if you say you are.

What Makes Community Runs Special

The atmosphere at community runs is unlike any other running event. You’ll find a 16-year-old finishing their first 5K alongside a 76-year-old celebrating their 200th. You’ll see people pushing strollers, walking dogs, and volunteers cheering from the sidelines. Everyone gets the same encouragement, the same finish line celebration.

These events happen weekly at the same location, same time. This consistency creates something powerful: a community that knows each other’s names, celebrates personal milestones, and genuinely cares about everyone crossing that finish line.

The format is beautifully simple. You register once online (free, always free). You show up. You get a barcode. You run, jog, or walk the course. You scan your barcode at the finish. Within hours, you receive your time and can track your progress over weeks and months. Those wanting to support causes might explore charity fun runs.

What to Expect

Most community runs follow a consistent format:

Distance: Typically 5 kilometers, though some locations offer 2K options When: Same day and time each week (often Saturday mornings) Cost: Free. Always. Format: Timed but not competitive. You’re racing against yourself, not others.

You’ll arrive to find volunteers setting up the course, participants chatting and warming up, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. A brief pre-run briefing explains the route and welcomes first-timers (expect applause when newcomers raise their hands). Then everyone starts together.

The course is clearly marked. Volunteers stand at key points to direct and encourage you. Some people sprint ahead. Many jog steadily. Others walk the entire route. All of these are completely normal and equally celebrated.

At the finish, volunteers scan your barcode, recording your time. Then comes coffee, conversation, and often lasting friendships. Many participants stay for an hour after finishing, just enjoying the community.

Who Should Try Community Runs

This format welcomes everyone, including:

• First-time runners nervous about judgement (the community actively celebrates beginners)
• Experienced runners who want regular training in supportive atmosphere
• Walkers at any pace (many events have participants who walk every week)
• Parents with strollers or children (most events are family-friendly)
• People returning to activity after injury or time off
• Visitors from other cities (your registration works at any location)
• Volunteers who prefer to help (see our spectator’s guide) rather than run (always needed and appreciated)
• Social runners who find solo training lonely

Your First Community Run: What to Know

Registration: Create a free account online and print (or save to your phone) your personal barcode. You only register once, then use the same barcode at any event.

What to bring: Your barcode, yourself. Wear whatever feels comfortable. No special gear required.

Arriving: Come 15-20 minutes early for your first time. Introduce yourself to volunteers wearing high-visibility vests. They’ll show you around and answer questions.

The pace: Your pace is the right pace. If you need to walk, walk. If you want to run fast, do that. No one is judging.

After finishing: Stay for coffee if you can. The post-run community is where friendships form.

Weather: Events run in nearly all conditions. Check the event’s website or social media on severe weather days. For a detailed breakdown of what happens, read our complete first-timer’s guide.

Finding Community Runs Near You

While parkrun is the largest free weekly community run network across Europe, similar events exist in many cities. These gatherings happen in parks, along riverfronts, through city centers. Each has its own character while maintaining that welcoming, everyone-belongs atmosphere.

• Free or minimal cost
• Weekly or regular schedule
• Explicitly welcoming all abilities
• Volunteer-run
• Focused on participation over competition

Ready to find your local community run? Browse community events near you and filter by your city. Your first finish line is closer than you think.

Come as you are. You belong here.