Frequently Asked Questions

What is parkrun?

parkrun is a not for profit organisation that helps to organise free weekly timed 5km runs around the country.

Who organises parkrun?

parkrun is organised by a small staff based in our Twickenham HQ; all of the events are run by teams of dedicated volunteers from the local running communities.

Who pays for parkrun?

parkrun is mostly paid for by our sponsors: adidas, Lucozade and Sweatshop. A number of other organisations also support us including London Marathon, The Mayor of London's Office, Three, aql and Lloyds Pharmacy. Individuals have also supported parkrun financially in the past for which we are extremely grateful.

When did parkrun start?

Our first event was Bushy Park, which started in October 2004 with 13 runners (at the time we called it Bushy Park Time Trial or BPTT). In January 2007 a group of volunteers decided to start a second event in Wimbledon Common, followed in June 2007 by our third event in Banstead Woods. We realised soon after this, that we had a great idea on our hands and we created the umbrella organisation called parkrun (the events changed name shortly after to follow suit - though you occasionally hear the odd 'old-timer' still referring to the original runs as 'time trials'). By the start of 2010 we had almost 30 events up and running around the UK.

What distances are your runs?

All of our runs are 5km (just over 3 miles) - we measure them all as accurately as possible with professional surveyors' wheels. We do not use GPS devices to measure our courses (they are simply not accurate enough). Some of our events have had their distances officially certified (see the course pages of the event websites for details), but most of our events are considered multi-terrain for which such certifications are not given.

What sort of courses are they?

Varied. Some are single lap courses, others multi-laps. They are generally not too hilly, but some have a few bumps. We stay away from roads (and cars), but all are on reasonable surfaces. As far as venues are concerned, they range from urban parks, country parks and seaside promenades to nature reserves, woodland and open fields.

When does it start?

Most of our events start at 9.00 on Saturday morning; but because of the darker mornings in the winter, our Scottish events start half an hour later at 9.30am.

Where is my nearest event?

There are events all over the country and more starting all the time - have a look at the event list and map for more details.

How do I get to the event?

We try to ensure that all our events are easily accessible - find out more on your event's course page, which contains an interactive Google map of the route and the local area.

Do you run every week?

Yes we do, but see the next questions.

Do you run in all weather?

We run in most weather, but we will cancel an event if we feel it would be unsafe (for example, because of ice or very strong winds). We try to give advance notice of cancellation via the event's website, but sometimes this might not be possible.

Do you run at Christmas and New Year?

Some events will not run during the Christmas New year period, while others may actually put on extra events on Christmas Day and New Year's Day; please see the event's web site for more information - we also try to include a Christmas & New Year round up in the weekly newsletter.

Why are your events all 5km?

We believe that 5km is the distance that appeals to the widest number of participants; it's a perfect goal for those just starting out in running, while also being the perfect way for more experienced runners to keep tabs on their training. It can be run socially, as a club training session, more competitively, or as part of a longer distance session. 5km is also a manageable distance for teams of volunteers to organise on a weekly basis.

Why do your events start so early on a Saturday?

Primarily because the volunteers who run the events would like to get on with their weekends; by starting at 9.00 (9.30 in Scotland), they can (with luck) have their results sorted by lunchtime. We also know that many runners also appreciate the opportunity to start their weekend on a social active note before breakfast. And finally, we also want to avoid clashing with the many club events that happen around the country on Saturday afternoons.

Can I collect for charity?

Not at the events; almost all the locations at which we organise our events, have strict rules about collecting money, and as weekly users of these facilities, we cannot afford to flout them. Most of our events would, however, be happy to incorporate your sponsored fund raising events. We would point out that all participants must register themselves (if they are not already parkrunners), and if you are likely to bring along more than 20 runners, please have a chat with the event organising team. If your event could be very big, they may ask you to assist with marshalling.

Can I hand out flyers for my events / services?

We would rather you didn't, and at many events there are strict bye-laws about leafleting. In any case, you must talk to the event organisers well in advance and get their permission.

Do you have any events overseas?

Yes, we have a run in Amager Fælled near Copenhagen in Denmark. Our Danish friends are looking to start other events in Denmark, and we are talking with teams in other countries about spreading the parkrun idea around the world.

How do I take part?

We have tried to make parkrun as easy to take part in as possible. We ask all runners to register in advance of their first run (Register Here), and print out their barcodes (Request your barcode here) then that's it. You will then be able to turn up at whichever event you want, whenever you want.

Who can take part?

Anybody and everybody; people of all ages and abilities take part in our runs; we love to see Olympians at our events (and we've had a few), but we are most proud of those runners whose first steps in running were at one of our events.

Can I run with my dog?

Most of our events do allow runners with dogs, though in some locations this may not be possible, please ask at your local event. In any case, we ask that dogs are under firm control, kept on a short lead or harness, and extreme care taken to avoid tripping other runners. Further information and advice about running with your dogs can be found on the Cani Cross UK website.

Can I run with a pushchair or buggy?

Yes you can at most of our events (some courses may be unsuitable so please ask). Please take care of other runners, and in particular avoid clipping their heels; we should also make clear that only those people who complete the course under their own steam will get a finish position. Those who are too young to run will have to wait until they are old enough to run it.

Can I take part in a wheelchair?

Yes you can. Please be aware however, that some of our courses are more suitable for regular wheelchairs than others. Some of our courses are over rough terrain and would be suitable only for more robust 'cross country' chairs. In all cases we would advise the athlete to satisfy themselves in advance that the route is suitable.

Can children take part?

Yes - we love to see happy children taking part and finishing. We ask that children under 11 are accompanied by a parent or guardian. We should make clear that the governing body (UK Athletics) say children aged under 13 should not take part in any road race of distance greater than 4km. However, provided younger children are not put under any undue pressure to perform by teachers, coaches, parents or guardians they may take part for fun.

Can my child accompany me on their bicycle or scooter?

No, we believe that bicycles or scooters and runners do not mix; the risk of injury to runner and child are too high.

Can I run with MP3 player / headphones?

We would rather you didn't - our events have a special community feel, which you cut yourself off from when wearing headphones; it also makes it difficult for our marshals to communicate with you. However, we appreciate that some runners do feel naked without their music, so they are not banned, but we would ask that as a courtesy to the volunteers, you remove headphones from your ears during the safety briefing before the start, and on approaching the finish area.

Can I bring a group of runners?

Yes, we encourage you to bring your friends, family and colleagues along with you. If you are likely to be bringing a party of more than 20 runners please warn the organisers and let them know you're coming. In all cases the members of your group must register themselves in advance.

Can I run for charity / in fancy dress?

Yes, provided your costume is safe for you and those around you.

Can I run 1 lap?

Some of our courses are multiple laps; if you don't feel you can do all laps, you are very welcome to join us, but please do not cross the finish line.

Can I walk the course?

Yes that's fine - we encourage everybody to take part; all we would ask is that if you think you will take longer than 50 minutes you should let the organisers know before the start so they can look out for you at the end.

Can you give me health advice? Am I fit enough to run?

Sorry, we are not qualified to answer this sort of question. However, we would recommend that all our runners follow the health advice on the Runners' Medical Resources Website. This website is maintained and supported by some of the biggest running and triathlon events in the country including Virgin London Marathon, Bupa Great North Run, Experian Robin Hood Marathon, Bath Half Marathon, Asics Reading Half Marathon, ASICS Breakfast Run, Reebok Bristol Half Marathon, Edinburgh Marathon and The London Triathlon.

What facilities are at my local run?

Facilities vary greatly from event to event - most have toilets and many have a cafe nearby. Please check your event's website for more details.

Is there parking?

Most events have some parking (either free or pay & display), but please run, walk, cycle or use public transport to reach your event if at all possible. If you do drive, please park legally and with consideration for other park users.

Is there somewhere to leave my kit?

Most events do have an area for leaving kit, but please remember this is entirely at your own risk; please avoid bringing valuables with you.

Is there somewhere to change?

Most of our events do not have dedicated changing facilities, so you should come ready to run; during the cooler winter months we suggest you leave something warm to put on near the finish area, and something to drink all year (but particularly in the summer months - it is surprising how hot some of our parks get even at 9.00 in the morning), but please do not leave valuables.

Is there somewhere to lock my bike?

Most events do have somewhere to lock your bike, but as always, this is at your own risk.

Where are the toilets?

Not all events have convenient access to public toilets (although most do) - please check your event's Course page for more information.

Where is the cafe?

Most events meet for coffee at a cafe conveniently close to the start or finish, but others may be further away, please check your event's course page for more information.

Do parkrun have priority access to the parks?

No we don't - please respect other users of the park, and when necessary give way (even if it means missing out on that PB for another week); a good parkrunner is gracious and polite to even the most offensive and inconsiderate fellow park user; our event organisers all have lives outside of parkrun, and would prefer not to spend more time than they already give, placating irate members of the public.

Are there course direction signs?

Some events do, some don't - we advise all runners to study the course guides on the event's web site, listen to announcements before the start about the course, watch where the regulars run, and follow the guidance of any marshals on the route.

Are there kilometre markers?

Some events do, some don't.

Do you provide water and/or refreshments?

No, you should take a water bottle with you, or leave one at the finish area.

How does it work?

Once you have registered and printed out your own personal barcode, you just need to turn up ready to run at whichever event you want whenever you want - we take care of the rest. No numbers to wear, no safety pins, no fuss, no bother. Make your way to the start area and be ready to run at 9:00 on a Saturday (9:30 in Scotland).

How do I register?

Go to the Registration Page, and fill in the simple form.

What's the barcode for?

The barcodes are how we identify all runners and get the results sorted out. We moved to barcodes because there are now far too many registered runners to be able to identify everyone with our older name based system. The barcodes help us to improve the accuracy of our results and also help to speed up the queues at our bigger events. Every athlete who has registered with us has their own unique barcode, which can be printed out and used at any of our events. We use the barcode to accurately record who you are and what position you finished.

How do I get the barcode?

You can request a link to your own barcode on the Barcode Request Page. We also send you a link in your results email whenever you run, in the email version of the weekly newsletter and in your initial registration confirmation email.

Do I have to have a barcode?

Yes, all events are moving over to a barcode only system. Those without barcodes will be able to run at our events, but we will not be able to record their finish positions. If you cannot print off your barcode yourself, please forward the barcode mail to a friend, relative or colleague who does have access to a printer. If you still are having trouble, try asking around at your local event and somebody is sure to be able to help you out.

What should I do with the barcode?

You should print the barcode, cut it out and take it with you to each parkrun event. Please print out the barcode using a standard home printer onto plain white paper. It is designed to be approximately credit card size and shape (it probably will not work if you resize it). Please do not mark the barcode or cut into it. We would advise all runners to avoid sweat damage by laminating the barcode - good old sticky backed plastic is ideal. If you don't have access to a printer yourself, you could forward the email the link came in to somebody who does, and get them to print it.

Do I need a bib number?

No, we don't use runner numbers (pinned to vests). We identify finishers either by barcodes (as above).

What happens at the start?

The race director will usually make important safety announcements before the start; please listen carefully to these as they may change from week to week. Please think carefully about where you will start from; if you are likely to complete the run quicker than 19 minutes make sure you're at the front. If you're likely to take longer than 30 minutes please start further back - this is for everybody's safety. On the director's start instruction, please take care of other runners, particularly our younger ones. Enjoy your run.

What happens at the finish?

At the finish line your time will be recorded - please do not ask the timer for your time - it's a difficult job at the best of times - you'll find out your time soon enough. The finish area is different at each of our events - some have taped funnels, others are 'imaginary' funnels marked with cones. Please, please do not leave the funnel until you have been given a finish position token (it really messes up our results and takes an age to sort out); if you don't want your result recording, please do not go near the finish line. We also ask all runners to cross the finish line just the once and to do so alone (please do not cross the line with non-runners). Once you've been given your token, take it to one of the registration computers where you will hand in the token and either present your barcode or give your full name as clearly as possible (exhaustion permitting). Do not leave the registration desk until your result has been recorded. Remember to leave the finish token behind - they are not souvenirs, but do remember to take your barcode with you.

What should I do if I've accidentally taken a finish position token home?

Please let the event director know as soon as possible (their email address can be found on the event's website), and make arrangements with them to return it.

Will I have to queue after the run?

Most of our events do have queues after the run while everybody waits to get their result recorded. This is a great opportunity to chat with your fellow parkrunners.

What should I do if I don't finish?

If you are in need of assistance, please ask your fellow runners, marshals or event organisers for help. If you don't complete the whole course you don't need to do anything, but we would ask that you do not cross the finish line since that will confuse the results.

What if I arrive late?

You can start the event late if you are happy to have a slower than normal time allocated to you (we do not 'correct' times for late starters - sorry). If you feel that you're likely to finish more than 50 minutes after the official race start, please have a chat with the organisers first.

Can I take part in international parkruns?

Yes, your parkrun barcode works at every parkrun event, including international ones.

Who should register?

Anybody who has not previously registered with us, and who wants to run or volunteer at a parkrun event.

Who should not register?

Anybody who has ever registered with us before. You only need to register with us once before your first run; you can then just turn up at whichever event you want, whenever you want.

Am I already registered?

If you think you may have registered with us before but are not certain, or if you think somebody may have registered you on your behalf, please do not register until you have checked with us first - we would much rather check our records. Please email us your details (name and date of birth) to office@parkrun.com and we'll be delighted to check.

I'm not sure if I'm going to run this week, should I still register?

Yes, there's no harm in registering (as long as you haven't done so before), even if you don't run; you will stay on our system for when you do run.

I ran at a parkrun event ages ago; am I still on your system?

Yes you are; if you have ever run at any of our events (even back when we first started in 2004) you will be on our system. If your details have changed, please follow the 'Update my Details' link in your weekly newsletter email, or in your results email whenever you run.

Do I have to register every time I want to run?

No - once registered, you stay registered; even if you registered years ago, and have not run since, you will be on our system. It causes lots of problems if people register more than once, so we would much rather you asked us if you are already registered than risk registering a second time.

Do I have to register separately at different events?

No - when you register we ask you for your home run, but you can run at whichever of our events you want whenever you want.

Can I turn up at the event and register there?

Absolutely not. Each event is organised by the smallest possible group of volunteers and we don't have the resources to register people there. Unregistered runners take up a lot of administrative effort to deal with. Please help us by registering in advance online, and by bringing your barcode with you every time you run.

I'm not sure if somebody has already registered me, should I register?

No - please email office@parkrun.com and we will let you know.

I have not registered before and I have never run at any parkrun event, what should I do?

Please register by filling in the form on the Registration Page.

Why do you need the information you ask for?

Most of the information we ask for, is used to identify you at our events and allocate your correct result. We do not ask for information we do not need (we do not need your address, for example). We ask for all first names and surname to identify you; gender and date of birth so that we can calculate age group and category records. We ask about membership of running clubs so that we can send the club secretaries the club results. We ask for an email address from everybody so that we can send you your result, and send you our weekly newsletter (which you can choose to opt out of).

What will happen after I have completed the registration form?

Shortly after you have pressed the submit button on the form you will be emailed a confirmation that we have received it. Please read this email carefully, it contains further instructions and a link to your barcode.

What if I don't get the registration confirmation email?

Normally you will get the confirmation email from us within 30 minutes.
If you have not received an acknowledgement please, in the first instance, check your spam folders. Some mail services (such as yahoo, hotmail and gmail) may classify our e-mail as spam, despite our best efforts. Add the office@parkrun.com address to your contacts, and mark e-mails as not spam to help their systems become more accurate.
If you have still not received the mail within two hours and have checked your spam filter, please email us at office@parkrun.com. We will usually get back to you fairly quickly, but we do go to bed sometimes, so it may take a little longer.

When is the deadline for registering?

There are no deadlines, you can register at any time, but it would very much help us if you could register by 6pm on the Friday evening before the event. Please make sure you have registered with enough time to receive the confirmation email and to print off your personal barcode.

Once I have been registered and printed my barcode, what next?

Just turn up at your event. You can run at any of our events as often as you want. You will never need to register again. If you're not sure where our other events are, have a look at our events map. This page also links through to the individual event pages which have much more detailed information about getting there.

Do I get a log-in account to the website when I register?

No, everything runners need, is available on the website without logging on.

I am already registered and just want to let you know that my registration details have changed, what should I do?

Please amend your details by following the 'update my details' link in the weekly newsletter or results emails.

I'm a group organiser, should I register all the runners myself?

No. We would prefer it if you got your runners to register themselves. Please see the Registering Others page for more details.

I would like to register somebody who can't register themselves, is this OK?

Yes it is. Many thanks for doing this for them. Please bear in mind the information on the Registering Others page.

I registered in the early days of parkrun and don't think you have my email - what should I do?

Please let us know what your email is at updates@parkun.com. If you don't have an email yourself, we would be grateful if you could provide us with the email address of a friend, relative or colleague who can deal with your registration on your behalf.

I think you may have an out of date or incorrect email for me, what should I do?

Please email us at updates@parkrun.com.

I know someone without access to a computer how do they register?

There are a couple of options. The simplest may be for you to help them to register on your computer. If they would prefer to register themselves, most libraries have computers that can be accessed for free. For more information visit UK online centres which lists free computer resources and classes in your area.

Where do I find the results?

All runners are emailed their results whenever they run. The results can also be found on the results page of each event's website, summary statistics can also be found on the main parkrun website. Every runner has a permanent results page (which can be bookmarked) which provides a complete history of all their runs.

What is the points competition?

Each event runs a yearly points competition which starts from that event's anniversary, and carries through until the week before the anniversary in the next year. The competition winners will normally be announced at the event's anniversary run.

How does the points prize work?

Points are awarded to all runners based on their finish positions (full points to the male and female winners, then one point fewer to the second placed athletes, etc. All runners receive at least one point). Additionally to encourage all runners to volunteer at their event, full points are also awarded on up to three occasions per year to runners who volunteer at an event. The maximum number of points awarded varies from event to event. Please note - each event runs its own points competition, points are not transferable between events.

In the points competition, my run points and volunteer points don't seem to add up to my total points, why not?

If you happen to have volunteered on the same day that you ran, you will be given the full points for volunteering (providing you have not already volunteered three times that year), but not the points for running as well (this is intended to be fair to those volunteers doing tasks that preclude them from running as well). The points table on the results page shows the running points you would have received if you hadn't also volunteered that day.

What is age grading?

All parkrun events use age grading to allow athletes to compare results. Age grading takes your time and uses the world record time for your sex and age group to produce a score (a percentage). This score allows you to compare your personal performance against other people's performances even though they might be a different age and a different sex to you - the higher the score the better the performance. The scores can also be compared across different race distances - to allow you to, for example, compare a 5km time against a marathon. For more information, please see Running For Fitness.

What are the 10, 50, 100 & 250 Clubs?

We like to reward the dedication and commitment of our most regular runners; the 10, 50, 100 and 250 clubs are our way of doing that. All runners who complete 50 runs are awarded a red 50 Club T-shirt; those who complete 100 receive the black 100 Club T-Shirt and jacket; just imagine the bling we award for 250 runs! Junior runners are also awarded white 10 club T-shirts when they have completed 10 runs.
To see the shirts and a complete list of club members visit our parkrun Club Page.

Who is eligible for the 10, 50, 100 & 250 Clubs?

Everybody who has registered is eligible for the 50, 100, and 250 clubs. The 10 Club T-shirts are only awarded to those runners in a junior age category (aged under 20 by the 10th run). The runs must have been recorded on our system, so it is important to take your barcode with you whenever you run. All events count to your total - you do not have to complete them all at the same event.

I think I should have received an email about joining the 10 Club, but it has not come through, what should I do?

Remember, the 10 Club shirt is only given to those runners who complete their tenth run as a junior (aged under 20, with an age category that starts with 'J'). If you are a junior, and you still haven't received the mail after your tenth run, then maybe we do not have your correct email address or we do not have your correct date of birth (in either case get in touch with Ray - ray@parkrun.com). Or maybe the spam filter on your email system is filtering out our mail - please check this before getting in touch.

I have done the runs, how do I get my t-shirt?

After completing your qualifying run you get a congratulations email from parkrun. Reply to ray@parkrun with your T-shirt size. The following month your event will receive a batch of t-shirts. At some events the t-shirt will be presented to you at others just collect at the results desk.

I am sure I should have been sent a parkrun club T-shirt, but I have not received the mail, what should I do?

If you are sure you are eligible for the 10, 50, 100 or 250 club, but have not received the mail, please get in touch with ray@parkrun.com. Remember that only juniors are eligible for the 10 club. Please check your spam filter on your email system before getting in touch.

I have replied to the email but no T-shirt has arrived, what should I do?

Ask at the results desk. Sometimes you might have to wait for new stock. But just keep on running – you really want to get to 100 anyway.

What is parkrun Freedom? Can I record other runs on the parkrun website?

If you run one of our courses at a different time to the normal parkrun, you can still make a record of the run time using parkrun Freedom. The most recent parkrun Freedom runs are shown on the parkrun results page. To record the run just follow the parkrun Freedom link on your 'My Links' page.

Will I be photographed or filmed at your events? Will photos or film of me be uploaded to your website?

Many of our events have volunteer photographers videoing or photographing parkrunners, for the benefit of the runners. These photographs or videos may be uploaded to our websites for non-commercial purposes.

Can I upload photographs to your website?

Our events are always happy to have photographers record the runs. Please get in touch with the local event team (email addresses on their event websites).

Can I download and use photographs from the website?

All the photographs on our website may be downloaded for personal use. The copyright for the photographs remains with the photographers and you should get in touch with them (via the local event organisers) if you want to use the photographs for any other purpose.
To download a photo click on it until it opens in a new window then right click 'Save As'.

Can you remove a photograph?

We're always happy to remove photographs on request. Please e-mail the local event organisers with the details of the photograph (email addresses can be found on their event website).

I can't remember my log-in details, what do I do?

Runners do not have log-ins to the website, because everything is viewable without logging in. If you are an event organiser and need access, please get in touch with office@parkrun.com or talk to your event organiser.

Can I advertise on your website?

Apart from links to our sponsors, we only have Google Ads on our site. If you operate a local business that would be of specific interest to our local communities of runners, many of our events maintain a free list of local links. Further information, about this is on the event links pages.

Can I publicise my event on your website?

Many events maintain a calendar of local running events - further information can be found on the event's links page.

How do I volunteer?

Many thanks for thinking about volunteering with us - as a rough rule of thumb we ask our most regular runners to volunteer about three times a year. Please get in touch with your local teams - the easiest way by far is to have a chat with them at the run, or even better at coffee afterwards; alternatively every event has a volunteering page which has complete information about volunteering and how to get in touch.

Where and when do volunteers meet?

Most events have a regular location and time they meet up before the run; have a chat with the team to find out.

What do the volunteers do?

The volunteers make parkrun happen; they run the local events. They do all of the high-profile tasks at the event (like marshalling, timing, result recording, etc), and all the behind-the-scenes roles like PR and results processing. Whatever you want to do, there's almost certainly a role for you.

Do you have any advice for helpers?

Volunteering at parkrun should be fun; if you are at all concerned about a role please let the local organisers know so they can put your mind at rest.

What does the Event Director do?

The Event Director takes overall responsibility for each event. They can be thought of as the chair person of the local team. Most Event Directors (though not all) will act as Race Director on a pretty frequent basis. Some events have a panel of volunteers who share the role.

What does the Run Director do?

The Run Director is in charge of a particular run on a specific day. They have ultimate responsibility for deciding whether or not the conditions are suitable for the event and with advice from the other volunteers may decide to modify the course (because of new hazards, for exmample), delay the start, or even in exceptional circumstances cancel the event that day (very poor weather being the most common reason for this). They are also responsible for organising the team of volunteers.

What does the Timer do?

The timer is responsible for recording the times of all finishers. This can be a high pressure role, particularly at our busier events.

What does 'Numbers' do?

'Numbers' is responsible for handing out finish position tokens to all finishers in the correct sequence. This role calls for nimble fingers and grace under pressure.

What does Numbers Assistant do?

At many events there are so many runners, the task of handing out finish position tokens would be too much for one person, so it is a double act, with the Numbers Assistant working closely with 'Numbers'.

What do the Marshals do?

Marshals guide and encourage the runners around the course, as well as warning of any regular or irregular hazards. They are also the eyes and ears of the race director out on the course. Marshals perform an important function, so if you're running and see them out on the course, please say thanks (particularly if it's wet, windy or cold) and always follow their advice.

What do Funnel Managers do?

Funnel managers are responsible for the smooth operation of the finish funnel. It's vital important to our system that runners stay in the same sequence after they cross the line, so we keep their time in sequence with their finish token. So they're there to remind runners of where to go, help them if they pushed a bit too hard, and cheer them over the line. Described as a mix of school teacher and cheer leader!

What do Results Registration Operators do?

The results registration volunteers are responsible for actually recording runners against their finish position tokens, handed out by 'Numbers' at the end of the funnel. As we use barcodes now, they scan in runners personal barcode, followed by the barcode on the position token.

What does the Results Administrator do?

The results administrator is responsible for bringing together the times and positions and sending them off to parkrun HQ for publication. They also resolve any discrepancies that may arise in the results.

What does the Number Checker do?

Number Checker is responsible for recording (but not correcting) discrepancies that may arise between the timer and the numbers that are given out. This role is slowly disappearing as we role out new technologies to the events.

What does Lead Bike do?

Lead Bike cycles on ahead of the front runners to show them the way and to give other park users a friendly warning that hordes of runners are heading their way.

What does the Tail-End Runner or Cyclist do?

The Tail-End Runner or Cyclist (otherwise known as tail-end-charlie or sweep) follows the last runner around the course, and let the marshals around the course that they can leave their posts.

What does Public Relations (PR) do?

PR is responsible for writing or overseeing the publication of the race reports, for communicating with local media about the event, or otherwise communicating with the public.

How do I contact parkrun?

For General enquiries about parkrun, please email office@parkrun.com.
For updates to your registration details, most changes can be made by following the 'Update my details' link in the weekly newsletter email or results email whenever you run, but if you have any other enquiries about your registration, please mail updates@parkrun.com.
For queries about your local event, most questions should be answered on their event's web pages (see The Event List for the links), for any questions not answered on their web pages, or for queries about results, please get in touch via email (addresses on their pages).
For queries about the day to day running of parkrun or to report problems with the website, please get in touch with Chris at chris@parkrun.com.

How do I find out if I'm already registered?

Please email us at updates@parkrun.com.

How do I notify you if my registration details change?

You can make most changes by following the 'update my details' link in the weekly newsletter email, or in the results email whenever you run. However, for any other changes please email us at updates@parkrun.com.

How do I let you know about an incorrect result?

In the first instance, you need to get in touch with your local event team - the appropriate address is on the event's result page.

How do I get in touch with the organisers of my local event?

All email addresses for the event team are on the event's website.

How do I get in touch about starting up a new parkrun event?

We are always looking for potential new events. Anita Afonso looks after all new events in the UK (please email her at anita@parkrun.com). Paul looks after all events outside of the UK (Please email him at paul@parkrun.com).

I'm not sure who I need to talk to, who should I get in touch with first?

If you're not sure who to get in touch with, the best address to use is office@parkrun.com, since this is monitored all the time.

I'm not receiving any mails from you - who should I talk to?

In the first instance, check your spam folders. Some mail services (such as yahoo, hotmail and gmail) may classify our e-mail as spam, despite our best efforts. Add the office@parkrun.com and news@parkrun.com addresses to your contacts, and mark e-mails as not spam to help their systems become more accurate.
If you have checked your spam filter, please email us at updates@parkrun.com, and we will check your registration details.

How do I get the newsletter?

You will be sent the weekly parkrun newsletter if you said 'yes' to receiving it when you registered. You can subscribe or unsubscribe at any time. If you get results emails whenever you run, you can follow the 'update my details' link, and resubscribe. If you don't get any emails at all, please email us at updates@parkrun.com.