Parkrun, a free weekly 5-kilometer running event that started in the UK, has inspired runners to travel extensively to different locations worldwide.
Enthusiasts from countries such as Japan, London, New York, and Berlin are joining events globally, often combining running with cultural exploration.
Parkrun began in 2004 and now hosts over 2,300 events in more than 20 countries.
Participants receive a barcode that acts as a passport to any Parkrun event worldwide.
The events have no prizes or medals; instead, runners earn flag icons on their Parkrun app profiles for participating abroad.
Runners Share Their Travel Stories
Frank McLoughlin, an avid Parkrun tourist from Dublin, started running in 2013 and has since traveled to numerous countries, including Namibia, Eswatini, Singapore, and South America.
"Namibia is a beautiful place, the desert runs into the sea. And Eswatini had the friendliest people, they were so nice and delighted to see tourism," Frank said.
He explained that his vacations often revolve around Parkrun events.
"Last night I was sitting here and I said I think I'm going to go to Boston for Thanksgiving, so four of us booked.
We will have a few days in Boston but the starting point was Parkrun."
Frank also shared his extensive travel plans: "I realised when I had done everything I wanted in South America, I could have two weeks left.
I could go to South Africa or Australia, but it was cheaper to have five days in Japan and five in Singapore."
He described a complex itinerary involving multiple flights and buses just to attend a Parkrun event starting with the letter Y.
Despite occasional questions about expense, he said, "I'm not as mad as some people think I am."
Clara Geraghty from Dublin sees Parkrun tourism as a family activity.
Her family traveled to Oulu, Finland, near the Arctic Circle, where they combined running with visits to snow hotels and husky sled rides.
"We can take a plane to a run but then pick adventures that go along with it. It is educational, fun and active.
The whole thing is just lovely," Clara said.
She noted that Parkrun tourism has become a shared interest for her family and something that will keep them connected.
"I feel it will be part of our family lifestyle, that we can always meet somewhere. It will be our go-to for a long while."
Peter Tucker from County Antrim used Parkrun to explore new places after moving to Northern Ireland in 2021.
His travels include running in the United States, Canada, Australia, Finland, Italy, and the Netherlands.
He described highlights such as running in Seattle, Vancouver, and Calgary after a trip through the Canadian Rockies, visiting Nordic countries, and running near the Great Barrier Reef and Grand Canyon.
"We flew to Las Vegas and drove to Cedar City in Utah, 150 miles on the interstate for the extra run on Thanksgiving.
The trail is an extension of the Grand Canyon," Peter said.
Following that, he flew to New York for another Parkrun event. He plans to visit South Africa and St Helena, depending on flight availability.
