Parkrun comes to Battersea Park

Dozens of local people put their best foot forward at Battersea Park’s first adult parkrun today (Saturday 12 October) as the Council fulfilled a key ambition in bringing the popular 5k to one of London’s most iconic parks.

Parkrun, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, is an inclusive event that brings people together for free, accessible exercise and supports people’s health and wellbeing.

Residents have long asked the Council to bring parkrun to Battersea Park. The new administration has treated this demand as a key priority and is delighted that this local aspiration is now a reality.

This initiative is part of Wandsworth Moves Together, a strategy to provide better opportunities for residents to get active in ways that suit their needs and ensure local services that support active communities are accessible and fit for the future. 

Today’s event allowed organisers to test the route and logistics ahead of the first public parkrun on Saturday 19 October. This is one of the many ways we have worked with organisers to deliver the parkrun safely, smoothly and while allowing everyone to continue to enjoy the park while the event takes place. We’re also encouraging those taking part to walk, cycle or take public transport to the parkrun, and have installed additional bike racks to make this easier for people. 

Councillor Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “This year marks 20 years since the very first parkrun and we are thrilled to finally bring parkrun to this beautiful park for the first time, delivering on the promise we made to residents. 

“We’re encouraging all sorts of exercise, especially in a social setting such as this, because we know how vital it is for people’s physical and mental health, as well as providing a connection to others in the community. It doesn’t just help you get fit, it can also play an important role in reducing depression and social isolation. 

“Through Wandsworth Moves Together, we are delivering several initiatives such as this parkrun and the new Women and Girls working group which launched today, to help more of our residents get active every day and we are keen to actively encourage all residents to get involved.”

Co-Event Directors of Battersea parkrun, Will Marks and Jess Buttigieg, said: “We’re so excited to finally bring parkrun to the iconic location that is Battersea - it has been a long time in the making.

“There’s nothing else quite like it; the initiative provides so much, in so many ways, to thousands of communities across the globe. Everyone is welcome at parkrun, whether they're running, jogging, walking or volunteering with us. You’ll see people from all ages, backgrounds and levels of fitness, and the best bit is that parkrun is completely free.

“Our event wouldn’t be possible without some amazing volunteers so if you’re interested in giving it a try please do get in touch with us. We can’t wait to see you, and truly build an event for the community together.”

Ruby Green, who took part in today’s event, added: “Parkrun has changed my life in so many ways; from my physical and mental health, to expanding my social circle and confidence. I'm so glad parkrun has come to Battersea, as I really enjoy meeting up with my friends each week to walk, jog or volunteer. It starts my weekend off in the best way.”

The new Women and Girls working group launched today is a key strand of the Wandsworth Moves Together strategy. The group will work together to encourage more women and girls to take part in sport and physical activities, in women-only spaces where they want that. Its goal is to boost participation, volunteering, coaching and employment opportunities.

Those interested in the Battersea parkrun can walk, jog or cheer on participants every Saturday morning at 9am. All parkrun events are free to attend, but you are encouraged to register before you come to get your own personal Athlete ID. This will be scanned at the end of the 5k and you will receive your results via email. Your Athlete ID can be used at any parkrun event.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Battersea parkrun, please contact battersea@parkrun.com.