E106: From Bushy Park to a Global Phenomenon - How parkrun Became the World’s Biggest Health Movement
Wed Feb 04 2026
This episode features an in‑depth conversation with Paul Sinton‑Hewitt, founder of parkrun, the world’s largest free physical activity initiative. We trace parkrun’s evolution from a small local time trial to a global public health phenomenon spanning more than 20 countries. Paul discusses community building, volunteer mobilisation, international expansion, social prescribing, and the role of parkrun in driving long‑term health and wellbeing outcomes.
Intro 0:00
The start 3:14
The growth 9:55
The evolution 22:15
Mission 29:03
Going international 30:16
Volunteering 37:14
Most memorable 45:09
Different directions 47:52
Social prescription 54:27
Lessons learnt and the future 59:46
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This episode features an in‑depth conversation with Paul Sinton‑Hewitt, founder of parkrun, the world’s largest free physical activity initiative. We trace parkrun’s evolution from a small local time trial to a global public health phenomenon spanning more than 20 countries. Paul discusses community building, volunteer mobilisation, international expansion, social prescribing, and the role of parkrun in driving long‑term health and wellbeing outcomes. Intro 0:00 The start 3:14 The growth 9:55 The evolution 22:15 Mission 29:03 Going international 30:16 Volunteering 37:14 Most memorable 45:09 Different directions 47:52 Social prescription 54:27 Lessons learnt and the future 59:46