Changes in physical activity, weight and wellbeing outcomes among attendees of a weekly mass participation event: a prospective 12-month study

Abstract

Background Mass participation events are recognized as a way of engaging low-active individuals in health-enhancing physical activity, but there is a need to investigate the sustained effects on behaviour and health. This study aimed to examine changes in self-reported physical activity, weight and wellbeing over 12 months in participants of parkrun, a weekly mass participation 5 km running event. Methods New parkrun registrants (n = 354) completed self-reported measures of physical activity, weight, happiness and stress, at registration, 6 months and 12 months. Objective data on attendance and fitness (i.e. run dates and finishing times) were obtained from the parkrun database. Results Overall physical activity levels were high at baseline, but significantly increased over the first 6 months, before declining. By 12 months, weekly physical activity was 39 min higher than baseline. Significant reductions in body mass index were observed over 12 months, with a weight loss of 1.1% in the whole sample, and 2.4% among overweight participants. Modest increases in happiness and decreases in perceived stress were recorded. Run times suggested a 12% improvement in fitness during the study. Conclusion Significant changes in weight, fitness and wellbeing outcomes indicate the public health benefits of regular participation in parkrun.

Evidence on the reach and impact of the social physical activity phenomenon parkrun: A scoping review

“…The impacts of parkrun on physical activity outcomes were assessed by two UK quantitative studies: one cross-sectional ( Stevinson and Hickson, 2014 ), and one prospective longitudinal design ( Stevinson and Hickson, 2019 ), both of which matched survey responses with (longitudinal) parkrun administrative data. Stevinson and Hickson (2014) surveyed a large representative sample of parkrunners (n = 7308 adults) and found improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness from first participation occasion to their fastest parkrun time in the survey year; age-adjusted time improved on average by 10%.…”

“…Arguably, the strongest evidence for the physical benefits of parkrun was captured by Stevinson and Hickson (2019) in their prospective study of n = 878 newly registered adults ( Stevinson and Hickson, 2019 ). At 6 months, 63% and at 12 months 53% were still attending parkrun with no statistically significant differences at baseline between survey completers and non-completers ( Stevinson and Hickson, 2019 ). New registrants were already highly active with only 8.8% (n = 31) classified below the minimum recommendation for moderate-to-vigorous–intensity physical activity (MVPA).…”

What Encourages Physically Inactive People to Start Running? An Analysis of Motivations to Participate in Parkrun and City Trail in Poland

“…Studies have indicated that depression, tension, isolation and anger decreased, while participants' self-esteem, mood and stress levels improved (44,45). According to Stevinson et al (46) happiness and stress reduction were maintained 1 year after starting Parkrun (47). In Australia, well-being improvement was limited to older runners.…”

Multiple deprivation and geographic distance to community physical activity events — achieving equitable access to parkrun in England

“… 13 , 14 The organisation has been widely praised as being successful in encouraging participation particularly in individuals who were previously inactive. 15 , 16 …”