For many years, parkrun events have linked with local General Practitioner (GP) practices and some practices have even activated events themselves. To scale this up, the parkrun practice initiative was launched in the UK in 2018. This initiative aims to raise awareness of parkrun amongst GPs and practice staff, encourage them to take part in parkrun and signpost patients/carers to our events, support the growth of social prescribing and help build integrated and supportive local communities centred on wellness.
The parkrun practice initiative is currently being implemented in the following parkrun countries, with scope to expand it in future:
5.2.1 United Kingdom
In June 2018 parkrun UK launched the parkrun practice initiative in collaboration with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). This innovative and award-winning project encourages GP practices to develop close links with their local parkrun event/s by becoming a parkrun practice. The aim is to encourage as many staff and patients as possible to take part in parkrun, and reap the incredible health and wellbeing benefits of doing so.
More details and information, including the parkrun practice Toolkits (for event teams and for practices), a map, resources, assets and media articles, can be found on the RCGP-hosted parkrun practice website.
All of the event team-specific information about the initiative can be found in the Event team Toolkit.
All of the information for GP practices can be found in the GP practice staff Toolkit.
5.2.2 Republic of Ireland
In January 2020 parkrun Ireland launched the parkrun practice initiative in collaboration with the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP).
More details and information, including the parkrun practice Toolkits (for event teams and for practices), a map, resources, assets and media articles, can be found on the ICGP-hosted website.
5.2.3 Australia
In April 2022 parkrun Australia launched the parkrun practice initiative in collaboration with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
More details and information, including the parkrun practice Toolkits (for event teams and for practices), a map, resources, assets, case studies and media articles, can be found on the RACGP-hosted website.
Introducing parkrun Practices in Australia
Dr Daly and Warren