Exploring the role of social capital in community-based physical activity: qualitative insights fromparkrun

Abstract

Please note, this pre-publication version may be subject to minor changed in the publishing process.

Health and broader community benefit of parkrun—An exploratory qualitative study

“…The appealing characteristics of parkrun reported by participants were mostly common to those reported in the UK parkrun literature, including a positive atmosphere, supportive community environment, opportunities for socialising and a culture of inclusivity/accessibility . New facilitators reported included feeling safe and enjoying the off‐road environment.…”

“…Whereas other studies primarily discussed the individual or social experience of parkrun , this research also examined whether parkrun stimulates individual PA . Consequently, the sample included non‐runners and non‐walkers pre‐ parkrun , whereas other studies included only non‐runners . Some participants reported that parkrun had stimulated a transition from being a non‐exerciser to a regular exerciser or that they were doing more PA because of parkrun .…”

“…Prior to the interview, participants were provided with an information sheet and consent form. All interviews were guided by an interview schedule informed, by our previous research and the broader parkrun literature . The schedule included questions related to sociodemographic characteristics, current and past PA and parkrun participation, reasons and future intentions for parkrun participation and PA generally, barriers to participation, outcomes from parkrun participation, volunteering at parkrun and encouraging others to attend parkrun .…”

“…Another cross‐sectional survey indicated that parkrun participation may contribute to enhanced well‐being . UK qualitative research identified that parkrun was appealing due to its inclusive ethos (eg, all ages and abilities), accessibility (eg, no fees, convenient location and time), social support (giving and receiving), sense of community and opportunities for socialising or friendship development or for health or fitness gains—qualities that are common and powerful correlates of PA …”

Everyday encounters with difference in urban parks: forging ‘openness to otherness’ in segmenting cities

“…Runners participating in the weekly parkrun engaged in mutual congratulations and conversation after the event. Such reciprocal affective support and social aspects of parkrun have been found to extend people's social networks (Wiltshire and Stevinson, 2018):…”