parkrun, the free feel-good global walking/running/volunteering community involvement movement is spreading across Austria – get involved!
What is parkrun?
parkrun is a global community of walkers, joggers, runners and volunteers of all ages and abilities. What originated in the UK in 2004 by one man seeking to improve his mental healthSozialministerium The Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection is responsible for the following fields: The health care system Initiatives for people with disabilities Consumer protection Public health and medical issues Care and support The rights of consumers and the protection of their health Senior citizens’ policy Social policy Social insurance has since spread across the globe. It is now active in more than 23 countries, and growing. Today in the UK, there are more than 770 events across the country.
In 2021, thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers, parkrun was launched in Salzburg. Vienna and Linz followed shortly after that.
How does it work?
The concept is simple: a free, weekly, timed 5km event for everyone, forever. Every Saturday morning at 09:00 at parks all over the world, communities gather to improve their physical and mental health by walking, jogging or running 5 kilometres. Or they volunteer to make these events possible.
I don’t run! And this sounds rather serious…
parkrun is not a competitive running event. It is an inclusive event for everyone, that includes walkers, runners, those using wheelchairs, sight or hearing impaired – everyone. Prams and dogs are also welcome, as are children (provided they are accompanied by an adult). At every parkrun there is always a ‘tail walker’, so that no one participating is ever last. There is also always the opportunity to have coffee with fellow parkrunners after every event.
How do I participate?
Simply register here once for free and you will receive a unique barcode. This barcode is your ‘passport’ to all parkruns across the globe, forever. With your online profile you can track your parkrun progress. parkrun also recognises personal achievements and rewards ‘milestone’ t-shirts for achieving a certain number of parkruns or times volunteered.
Where does it take place?
parkrun Vienna takes place every Saturday morning at 09:00 in Donaupark (Arbeiterstrandbadstrasse 122, 1220). parkrun Salzburg takes place in Hellbrunn park and in Linz along the Danube Cycle Path. parkrun is only cancelled in cases of severe weather conditions (or government imposed Covid regulations).
The power of parkrun
parkrun is much more than a 5km event. It is a friendly community event where anyone can participate or help out. The atmosphere is always positive and welcoming. Everyone participates for their own enjoyment, no matter their pace. It is about togetherness and the simple opportunity to be active, to feel good and be part of something good. Each week it attracts new faces and families who share this same motivation.
parkrun is extremely powerful. If the pandemic taught us anything, it was that there is no substitute for coming together. parkun is like a supportive friend who is always there. Every week, no matter how busy or challenging your life, you can always count on your friends – old and new – to be waiting for you at parkrun. Every week someone is celebrating a milestone or attending for the first time. It is an event that gives so much back. Just come once, and you will be hooked for life.
Check out our weekly photos on Facebook. Or better yet, pop down to your local parkrun and see for yourself what parkrun is all about! If you have any questions, or want to get involved, contact us here:
parkrun Vienna
e-mail: donaupark@parkrun.com
Facebook: Donaupark parkrun Wien/Vienna
parkrun Salzburg
e-mail: hellbrunn@parkrun.com
Facebook: Hellbrunn parkrun, Salzburg
parkrun Linz
e-mail: donauradweg@parkrun.com
Facebook: Donauradweg parkrun, Linz
We can’t wait to see you. Your dedicated team,
parkrun Austria