A major new study has confirmed that the feel-good factor is the driving force behind the success of parkrun, the free weekly 5 K event that has become a global phenomenon. Research involving nearly 80,000 UK participants revealed that the mental health benefits of parkrun, such as improved happiness and general mental wellbeing, are the most important factors leading to increased life satisfaction.
The findings, released on World Mental Health Day, are based on the largest-ever study of UK parkrunners, led by Sheffield Hallam University. The data showed that:
- Nearly three-quarters (74%) of participants reported an improvement in their life satisfaction through running and walking at parkrun.
- 73% felt the same boost through volunteering.
- Improvements to happiness, general mental well-being, and a sense of personal achievement were ranked as the highest contributors to this increased satisfaction.
Professor Steve Haake, who led the research, noted that this study answered the question of how parkrun works: “It is improvements to mental health… that are more important to this increase in life satisfaction than improvements to physical health.”
Perhaps the most compelling finding is that the biggest increases in life satisfaction were experienced by those who rated their health as “very bad” when they first registered for parkrun.
- This group saw an estimated 1.6-point increase in life satisfaction, based on the ONS (Office for National Statistics) one-to-ten scale.
- The research also showed that those who were least active, in early middle age, and from deprived communities were the most likely to benefit significantly from taking part.
With over 260,000 people taking part across the UK every weekend and 45,000 people registering last year identifying as “completely inactive,” parkrun is successfully reaching the populations that stand to gain the most.
Beyond the personal benefits, the study reinforces parkrun’s immense value to the wider economy and public health services.
- Parkrun is estimated to be worth £689 per person per year for regular participants through benefits to the UK economy and savings to the NHS.
- This makes it one of the most cost-effective and preventative public health initiatives in the UK, especially when you consider the typical cost of an NHS GP appointment (£45) or a course of psychotherapy (£345).
- A previous study showed that every £1 spent on parkrun returned at least £16.70 in benefits, including £10 in healthcare savings.
Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, parkrun Health Partnerships Lead and TV doctor, highlighted the need for more support: “A study of this scale helps further highlight the associated improvements in life satisfaction, and the mental health and wellbeing benefits of taking part in parkrun regularly… I want to see more investment into the parkrun charity to help unlock these health benefits for even more people in our communities.”
It’s clear that the simple act of walking, running or volunteering at a local parkrun isn’t just a fun way to start the weekend; it’s a powerful, proven path to greater happiness and a significant contributor to national wellbeing.
Find your local event or register at https://www.parkrun.com
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