Funding boost for Holyrood community parkrun

This summer, the University has funded a new city centre community parkrun at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh.

Photo credit:  John Waddell                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

The parkrun events are free, weekly 5k runs and are open to runners, joggers and walkers of all ages and fitness levels.

The University has contributed £4000 to help with start-up costs of the new event with the aim to help improve access to physical activity for its staff and students, as well as the local community.

Launch event

On Saturday 16 July, more than 500 participants and volunteers took part in the first ever event – a 5k route around the park, including Queen’s Drive and starting at St Margaret’s Loch.

This new inclusive 5k run will take place every Saturday throughout the year, and is open to everyone.

Alongside Holyrood, Edinburgh currently hosts park runs each Saturday morning at Cramond, Portobello and Heriot-Watt.

Positive benefits

The University of Edinburgh is delighted to be able to support the new Holyrood Parkrun. We have provided the funding needed to get the event off the ground because we know that local events like parkrun contribute so much to encourage healthy physical activity and positive mental health and wellbeing.

The new event will be a fantastic opportunity for the many University staff and students who live locally to get involved and get active. I would urge anyone who lives near the city centre to give it a go – whatever your ability – whether to run, jog, walk or volunteer.

Now in its 18th year, parkrun is a global social movement, delivered in over 2,200 locations across 23 countries. Their mission is to break down barriers, widen participation and bring communities together through physical activity.

Actively promoting green travel, parkrun encourages people to get to local events using public transport, bike or on foot.

Holyrood parkrun was set-up and organised by volunteers, including University of Edinburgh staff members.

Related links

• Volunteer at a future parkrun: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/holyrood/volunteer/
• Details for participating: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/holyrood/