Eight Years of Custodial parkruns: A celebration of change, connection and community.

This year marks a remarkable milestone of eight years of custodial parkrun events. It’s a moment to celebrate and recognise the incredible journey that began back in 2017 at Black Combe parkrun in Cumbria, when we took our first steps inside a custodial setting.

What started as a simple idea bringing the joy, inclusivity and wellbeing of parkrun into secure environments has grown into something far more meaningful. Custodial parkruns now run across the UK in partnership with His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and several other providers, giving participants a chance not only to walk, jog, run or volunteer, but to connect, contribute and change too.

Since its inception in the UK, we have recorded over 100,000 walks and runs by more than 13,000 people, whilst over 3,500 have volunteered.

An Event Like No Other

A custodial parkrun is more than a weekly 5k. It’s a community event that symbolises hope, progress and personal development. parkrunners often describe it as a highlight of their week, and a chance to feel part of something bigger, to set goals, and to experience achievement and belonging in a positive environment.

We recently asked participants about the impact of custodial parkrun events.  Many commented on the togetherness they feel, how it is something positive to look forward to, how it boosts their self esteem, and how they enjoyed helping others. You can hear more about the impact of parkrun via this short video.

Each event is delivered in partnership with prison and probation staff, parkrun volunteers and external supporters who believe in the power of physical activity and community to change lives. Many custodial parkruns have become bridges between the inside and outside, with volunteers, staff, and visitors running side by side with residents.

Eight Years of Impact

Over the past eight years, custodial parkrun has created:

• Opportunities for connection: Building links between custodial parkrunners and the wider community.

• Health and well-being benefits: Encouraging fitness, positive routine, and mental health support.

• Pathways to rehabilitation: Promoting responsibility, teamwork and a sense of contribution.

• Stories of transformation: From nervous first-timers to confident volunteers, every event is filled with small, powerful moments of change.

  
  

It’s also a space where parkrun’s core values, inclusivity, accessibility, and community, truly shine. Whether it’s someone completing their first 5k, taking on the role of timekeeper or marshalling with pride, every contribution matters.

As one prison service spokesperson put it: “parkrun in custody is about creating opportunities for healthier lives and safer communities. Through structured physical activity programmes and wellbeing initiatives, HMPPS helps people build resilience, improve health, and support rehabilitation.”

Alongside the weekly events, ambassadors have also used the opportunity to talk about parkrun and its benefits through Employee Wellness Events. One such event, which took place at Woodthorpe, gained lots of great feedback from staff about the estate’s Woodthorpe parkrun and its importance to participants.

Karen Barnard and Steve Dye are both Custodial Event Support Ambassadors (ESAs) whose efforts exemplify the teamwork and positivity that define these events. Karen Barnard, who has worked with The Spinney parkrun and Woodthorpe custodial parkruns, commented: “It has been an immense privilege and pleasure to have been involved as a parkrun ambassador in the activation of, and ongoing support to, two Custodial Estates. The Spinney parkrun and Woodthorpe parkrun both take place in Women’s Custodial Estates, and although they may have some differing characteristics to parkruns in the community, all have a common thread: an opportunity each week to gather together for physical exercise, enjoy time outdoors, and to feel part of a community."

"Participants’ commitment and effort is palpable and, as is the case at all parkruns, all parkrunners will have their own personal goals on a Saturday morning: whether simply to complete the laps respectively, to beat their previous PB, to enjoy an hour of physical activity in the open air and chat, to support through their volunteering, or to move closer to a run or volunteer milestone.

The emphasis has always been for those taking part to support each other, and an opportunity for volunteers to develop new skills and build confidence. There is always a pervasive feeling of positivity, not just involvement in outdoor exercise, but also a social occasion.”

The physical and mental well-being benefits of parkrun are recognised and highlighted within each Custodial Estate. To know that Custodial Estate parkrunners have also continued their parkrun journey on release is a testament to the dedication of the teams on the ground, Physical Education Instructors, other HMPPS staff and volunteers, and the positivity of parkrun.

Looking Ahead

As custodial parkrun turns eight, we don’t look just back with pride, but forward with optimism. The impact of these events continues to grow, inspiring more establishments to join the movement.

The future holds even more potential to welcome more people, strengthen partnerships, and continue demonstrating that everyone, no matter where they are, can experience community, support and progress through parkrun.

Help us make a positive, lasting difference in more prisoners’ lives. Find out how here.

Thank You

To everyone who has made custodial parkrun possible over the past eight years, the dedicated staff, volunteers, parkrunners, and parkrun teams, thank you. Your commitment embodies the spirit of parkrun and shows that when we move together, we move forward.

We currently have 26 events up and running in the UK. Here’s to the next eight years and beyond.

#loveparkrun