I have always loved running and over the years, I have enjoyed competing in all manner of competitive races and also getting outside and running for pleasure.

There’s no doubt in my mind running is an excellent form of exercise and a sport that can be enjoyed by all no matter what your ability level is or body appearance.

Running gives you the chance to set personal goals, develop a positive approach within both mind and body and complete them at your own pace.

With many of those points in mind, I have recently got together with a merry band of like-minded souls in order to bring the first Parkrun to Rotterdam and hopefully many others around the Netherlands.

Parkrun

As any keen runner will know, Parkrun is hugely popular throughout the world.

Since its humble beginnings in Bushy Park, London way back in 2004. Regular weekly events have found their way into 21 different countries around the globe and it continues to grow week to week.

Parkrun has over 6 million runners registered and over 250,000 enthusiasts participating in the free 5 km running event every week.

Besides a wealth of intrepid runners trying to beat their PB each week, there is a staggering number of helpers, who enable things to happen and allow the events to run smoothly.

All Parkrun events are free for the participants, they are timed, and the recordings kept on the main Parkrun website.

All these events are fun and open to everyone, no matter what your ability is, they are very safe and easy to take part in.

Almost all of these events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings, and Parkrun organisers actively encourage runners of every ability to take part; from those taking their first steps as new runners to Elite athletes training for something BIG.

Parkrun in the Netherlands

Is a relatively new venture and I have continually surprised it has not already found its way here. Nevertheless, the Netherlands found its way onto the new Parkrun list, and 2020 will finally see Parkrun come to the Netherlands with many significant events starting to pop up in many Dutch cities. As a result, of this exciting opportunity, I took it upon myself to follow interests and get involved and have been actively engaged with the Rotterdam running group for several months.

We meet regularly to discuss and share ideas, as well as planning for the future. Already this popular event has created a deal of interest, and the organisation group has begun to grow organically from week to week. Word gets around, people get involved, and the number of enthusiasts/volunteers begins to grow. In turn, it has enabled a wealth of opportunities and brought together like-minded runners of different backgrounds and nationalities to get together, be active and indeed encourage others to become part of something potentially massive.

Come and run with us

At the moment we have an active and growing number of around 35. We meet each week at the Kralingse Bos, in Rotterdam for a 9 am start and a run around the course mainly to test out the course and monitor how many people are in the park at that time of day.

It is a great course and it is situated around one of Rotterdam’s best open spaces. The Kralingse Bos and the Kralingse Plas.

The flat run route weaves its way around the popular Kralingse Bos (forest) and also runs alongside the backdrop of the Kralingse Plas (lake), which is a large expanse of water. This meandering run has a mix of everything, from open spaces, fast, smooth tracks, woodland lanes and a beautiful lake.

Once our run is completed, we tend to gather in the nearby Pancake house (De Eekhoorn) for a welcome hot drink and pancakes, if you wish. This is a provides a very positive end to the morning as it gives us all the chance to discuss ideas and perhaps plan a little further ahead.

Great Motivation

There is no doubt in my mind that this Parkrun event will be a great success and it will provide another excellent option for the already active Dutch public to participate in and enjoy something new. A chance for all abilities of runners to come together and do something new and worthwhile. I am inspired and motivated to continue making a change to my own health and well-being, cycling daily, running regularly and having fun has always been an excellent motivator for me. I want to help spread the word and bring about change. To do something with great purpose and something meaningful for others to be inspired by too. To be proactive and lead by example and in turn, help to encourage others to push themselves too.

Information

For more information about Parkrun, I would encourage you all to take a good look at the main website, where a wealth of key information is already amassed.

Or alternatively, stay up to date with the main Facebook page for Parkrun NL.

Here you will find lots of practical information about what to do and where these regular events will take place.

The future

Hopefully, in the next few weeks announcements will be made and many events begin to start.

I am sure Parkruns popularity will grow and soon after this worldwide phenomenon will begin to grow and grow.