TOP 10 WORLDWIDE PARKRUNS AS THE EVENT CELEBRATES ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Posted on October 01 2024
The best parkruns in the world have been named by a new book.
With its beautiful golden beach and the Great Barrier Reef below its surrounding blue waters, Hamilton Island parkrun in Australia comes first on the top 10 drawn up by author Lucy Waterlow for The Ultimate Guide to parkrun
The second largest intact example of a fully walled Renaissance city in Europe, Mura di Lucca parkrun, Italy, is second followed by the jaw-dropping scenery of Big Bay parkrun in South Africa. The picturesque Lake2Lake Trail parkrun, New Zealand comes fourth.
Fifth is the Inis Meáin parkrun, in one of the Aran Islands off Ireland’s west coast. It has a beautiful rugged landscape and vast views across the Atlantic ocean.
Since its launch in Bushy Park, London, on 2nd October 2004, parkrun – a weekly free 5km run in parkland or other open space on a Saturday morning – has become a global phenomenon. It is now in 2,000 locations across 22 countries of the world.
The full list has been released as parkrun (always with a lowercase p) celebrates its 20th anniversary on 2nd October 2024:
1. Hamilton Island parkrun, Australia
2. Mura di Lucca parkrun AKA Walls of Lucca parkrun, Italy
3. Big Bay parkrun, South Africa
4. Lake2Lake Trail parkrun, New Zealand
5. Inis Meáin parkrun, Ireland
6. Kashiwanoha parkrun, Japan
7. Pokkinen parkrun, Finland
8. Cape Pembroke Lighthouse parkrun, Falklands
9. Malbork Castle, Poland
10.Canyon Rim Trail parkrun, USA
The perfect seasonal gift for parkrun fans and wannabe parkrunners, The Ultimate Guide to parkrun: Everything You Need to Know About the Friendliest 5k in the World delves into the event’s heart-warming world, sharing inspiring stories of those who take part, as well as listing top runs in the UK and globally and 5k training plans.
Lucy Waterlow said: 'Despite the name, parkruns aren't just held in parks and this list reveals how you can visit some awe-inspiring places while taking part. From beaches in paradise to winter wonderlands, parkruns around the world offer the opportunity to run, walk or volunteer surrounded by some spectacular scenery and wildlife. parkrun tourism is popular within the parkrun community so hopefully this list will provide some travel inspiration.'
Get your copy here.