A few weeks ago , I did the 5k Fountains Abbey Park Run for the first time. Although I have done numerous runs before, both competitive and non-competitive, for some reason I had never actually done a weekly park run before. As I ran, I realised that park runs are about more than just running; many people do park runs for the sense of community it entails. 

As I arrived at the event, I was greeted by a large number of volunteers, who had all willing given up their Saturday mornings to don their high vis jackets and lead at least hundred runners in the correct direction. These volunteers cheerfully welcomed my fellow runners and myself and led us to the warming up area. While many runners were seriously stretching and warming-up , just as many were standing talking with others looking more like they were at a school gate than a run. 

People stood chatting together, and looked reluctant when the time came to stand behind the start line. At the front, were the serious runners, who looked like this run was merely a warm up to the main event , followed by the participants who were just wanting to improve their fitness . Pulling up the rear , were the family groups ( many of whom were accompanied by dogs ) and myself

When the run began , I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would do. The air was crisp, the view was beautiful and the temperature was not hot but not too cold. I ran along at the fastest pace I could and tried not to feel discouraged when people jogged past me while looking like it was the easiest thing in the world. 

However, despite the pleasant conditions , what I found most enjoyable about the whole event was the endearing sense of community I took from it. Volunteers cheered me on , strangers told me how long there was left of the course and many told me how well I was doing. In a time where everyone seems to be divided on many issues, I felt very united with strangers during the run.

When I crossed the finish line after two laps of the course , I felt absolutely exhausted. However, the sense of achievement I felt after completing the run is unparalleled by any of the other physical activities I do in my life. Although the run was very hard work, all along the way people encouraged each other and helped each other out. 

Even if you have never done any form of park run before, I would strongly recommend you go and try one. Not being any good at running doesn’t matter, it is the satisfaction you get from the run that matters.  Especially at local park runs , you will find that you will see and talk to many people you both know well and don’t know. For me, the park run wasn’t about running , but it was about the sense of community I gained from it.