parkrun has joined The Nation’s 5K Challenge, the nationwide initiative. Led by endurance athlete Esmée Gummer, the challenge aims to inspire one million people to move while raising funds for charity through free, accessible community 5k events across the UK and Ireland. To drive participation, Esmée will run 5,000km through 77 cities across the UK and Ireland between 27 June to 3 October.
As part of the challenge, Esmée will visit 13 local parkrun communities, joining their free weekly 5k events and helping bring people together to walk, jog, run, volunteer and connect in local communities.
The challenge has already generated strong public interest, with more than 1,300 people registering for the events within the first 24 hours of sign-ups opening and 3,000 sign-ups to date.
The collaboration builds on an existing relationship between parkrun and realbuzz, which is managing registrations and charity partnerships for the nationwide challenge, and reflects a shared commitment to making movement accessible to everyone.
Nina Sethi, Head of Brand and Marketing at realbuzz, said: “At realbuzz, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for people to come together through movement, fundraising and shared experiences. parkrun has built one of the most inclusive and inspiring community participation movements in the world, making them a natural partner for The Nation’s 5K Challenge.
“By bringing together Esmée’s ambition, parkrun’s community network and the public’s enthusiasm for getting active, we have an opportunity to create a lasting impact in communities across the UK and Ireland while raising funds for important causes.”
Ali McArthur, Global Head of Event Delivery & Volunteering at parkrun, said: “parkrun exists to make physical activity accessible to as many people as possible, and we’re delighted to support Esmée and The Nation’s 5K Challenge. Helping one million people move is an ambitious goal, but it’s one that reflects our shared belief that physical activity should be free, welcoming and accessible. We know that people are more likely to stay active when they feel connected to others, whether through running, walking, volunteering or supporting their local community.”
Esmée Gummer said: “I’m incredibly grateful for parkrun’s support. Their events have inspired millions of people to get active and feel part of something special, so having them involved in The Nation’s 5K Challenge means so much. This challenge has always been about showing people that movement can be accessible, enjoyable and something that brings communities together.
“After being paralysed at 18 and told I would never walk again, I know first-hand how powerful movement can be. That’s one of the reasons this challenge means so much to me and why I’m passionate about encouraging others to take part, whatever their starting point.”
Participating parkrun locations
27 June – Inverness
4 July – Edinburgh
11 July – Derry
18 July – Dublin
1 August – Durham
8 August – Doncaster
15 August – Wolverhampton
22 August – Ely
29 August – Southend
5 September – Salisbury
12 September – Plymouth
19 September – Cardiff
26 September – Hereford
Realbuzz is managing participant registration and charity partnerships for the free nationwide 5k events, with participants given the option to donate when signing up. Fundraising is powered by GoFundMe, providing a simple and secure way for supporters to contribute.
Funds raised will be distributed among the official charity partners: 25% to Wings for Life, 25% to Sport in Mind, a portion to parkrun and the remainder to charities selected through a public vote during the challenge.
To sign up and learn more, visit: https://www.realbuzz.com/thenations5k
To follow Esmée’s progress live, visit: https://live.adventuretracking.be/the-nations-5k
To donate and support the fundraising effort, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/im-running-the-uk-and-fundraising-every-step-of-the-way
