So you've been thinking about getting active and you keep hearing your chums raving about parkrun.
If you've been thinking about coming along but you can't run, or it all sounds a bit too intimidating - then this page has been written just for you.
Q) What do I need to take part?
A) All you need is a printed barcode, and to get one of these you'll need to register. You only need to do this once and once you've got your barcode you can use it every week. If you become a regular (which we'd recommend!) you may want to think about buying a barcode!
Q) It's called parkrun, but I can't run...
A) It really should have been called "parkactive" because you really don't need to run at parkrun.
Q) But I've been advised not to run...
A) No really, you can turn up every Saturday and walk at parkrun. Walking at a parkrun is not some sort of cunning trick to get you running in the future. parkrun as an organisation looks to get everyone active, which isn't necessarily getting everyone running. Have a read of the parkrun Event Charter if you don't believe us 
Q) How fit do I need to be to come to parkrun?
A) There is no minimum fitness level. parkrun is an all inclusive organisation and that includes fitness level. If you do have some concerns about your fitness level we would recommend you have a chat with your GP. Great Notley parkrun is a two lap course so if after the first lap you don't think, for whatever reason, you can continue - then you can drop out.
Q) That's all very well, but I don't want to come in last.
A) Great Notley, like all events has a Tail Walker, so you'll never be last! No matter how fast or slow you go, they'll walk the whole course.
Q) I've seen the photos! It all looks pretty intimidating!
A) Feeling nervous at your first parkrun is perfectly understandable, so why not just pop along and spectate or come and find us in the cafe afterwards. Have a chat with some of the parkrunners, the marshals and other organisers, we're a friendly bunch! You could come along and marshal (it involves wearing a groovy high-vis and making sure the parkrunners stay on course).
Yeah there's a few people at Great Notley, but they're the friendliest bunch you'll ever meet!
Q) How much does it cost?
A) It's free! All we ask is that, every once in a while you help out. Great Notley parkrun is organised, run, planned, managed and co-ordinated by volunteers - exactly the same as all of the parkrun's worldwide. If you really, really, really wanted to spend some money you can buy yourself a cool barcode wristband or card from ERS Barcodes and
Helping out at Great Notley keeps the event running smoothly and it's a lot of fun too
Q) How much does it cost to run parkrun event?
parkrun has sponsors, and if you buy any clothing from Contra the profits go back into parkrun, all of this is used to run the systems, store results and send out text's etc. If you wanted to contribute directly to Great Notley's fund, which we use for things like signs, cones, stationery etc. you can donate through our website. A percentage of the money donated is used help start up new parkrun events.
Q) How old do you need to be take part in parkrun?
A) If your son or daughter is under 11yrs old, they will need to run with a responsible adult. If they're between 4yrs and 14yrs old they can run at Great Notley junior parkrun on a Sunday morning on their own!
Under 11's must be accompanied by a responsible adult (leaping optional!)
Q) I hear that you've got to go up that scary looking hill?
A) It really isn't as bad as it looks! You have to "Touch the Bird" just the once and when you have you're actually over half way! The hill can be a little slippery when muddy, so do take it easy. Whatever you think of the hill, the view from the top is spectacular.
"The Hill" isn't actually as scary as you'd think!
Q) Can I bring my dog along to parkrun?
A) Yes you can! (not advised on the junior parkrun as some children don't like dogs). We allow one dog on a short controlled lead. If you've got a particularly enthusiastic wee furry friend, it might be an idea for you to start at the front!
One dog on a short controlled lead!
Q) I've done a couple of parkruns and I've had a lot of fun - but I want more!
A) ...and you'll not be alone! There are lots of excellent running clubs and groups that support parkrunners from Great Notley. They're all slightly different, they're all friendly, have a chat with them and see which one suits you best, here's just a few of them...
- Michelle's Running Group
- Witham Running Club
- Braintree and District Athletic Club
- Halstead Road Runners
- Grange Farm and Dunmow Runners
- Springfield Striders
Q) I want to volunteer but I've never done it before!
A) Volunteering at Great Notley is really easy and all of the roles can be trained on the morning in a matter of minutes.
All of the roles are designed to be carried out by parkrunners, so they're all pretty straightforward. Most of the roles will have a lanyard too so if you did miss anything in the training, it's all written down on the lanyard too. You can put your name down several weeks in advance to help out and you can look on our website to see what roles are available.
Q) Is there anywhere cheaper to park?
A) We will always advise you to park at Great Notley Country Park as parking elsewhere can cause issues for the local residents. You can get free parking if you volunteer and you don't necessarily need to give up your run/walking your parkrun if you help out. If you were to help set up or pack away, for instance, but these roles go quickly!
Hopefully that's help answer most of your questions, if you still wanted to ask any questions please feel free to drop us an e-mail or you can post a query to through our various social media channels and your fellow parkrunners may have the answer!
Len Marten
Event Director
Great Notley parkrun - Facebook - Twitter - Strava - Flikr - Instagram
Your Core Team:-
Len - Dan - Chris H - Nicki - Jane - Mark - Chris S - Anna
With special support from Mike - Ian - Michelle
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