Why ParkWalk Matters More Than You Think
You Have to See It to Be It: Why ParkWalk Matters More Than You Think is a message I have come to believe deeply after injury, recovery and discovering the incredible walking community within parkrun.
For many people, parkrun still looks like something only for runners and fast joggers. You often see friends, partners and family members coming along to support, then sitting on benches or heading into cafés while the event is happening. I completely understand why. For years I thought the same. But after injuries, surgeries and periods where running simply was not possible, I discovered something wonderful. Parkrun is not just for runners. It is for walkers too, and the walking community is one of the most welcoming parts of it all.
I have had severe sciatica twice, including spinal surgery, and I have also had foot surgery for a bunion. Those experiences change how you see movement, health and community. There are times when jogging is impossible, but being active in whatever way you can manage is still incredibly important, both physically and mentally. ParkWalk made that possible for me. It allowed me to stay part of something joyful, social and supportive, even when my body had limits.
You Have to See It to Be It
What really matters is visibility. People need to see walkers taking part to realise that ParkWalk is not a second best option. It is a brilliant experience in its own right. When walkers are visible, others feel welcome to join in. That is where the phrase comes from. You have to see it to be it.
Here in Nairn, the setting alone makes you want to be part of it. Fresh sea air, wide paths, friendly faces and that wonderful feeling of community that builds every Saturday morning. Whether you run, jog or walk, you are just as much part of the event. Yet I still see people sitting waiting for loved ones instead of joining in themselves.
If you are already there cheering someone on, why not walk it with us? You do not need to be fast. You do not need special kit. You just need to turn up and take part. ParkWalkers are always welcomed, encouraged and celebrated.
I have walked Torvean many times and it showed me just how special ParkWalk can be. Walking gives you time to chat, laugh and really connect with people. I once walked alongside a lovely lady from Malaysia whose husband was a visiting surgeon at Raigmore Hospital. We talked the whole route and finished feeling like friends.
I have also walked with members of a Parkinson’s group who come out together to enjoy the fresh air, movement and community spirit. Watching them support one another was incredibly uplifting. That is what parkrun is really about. Not speed. Not times. People.
Poole Parkrun
When I walked parkrun in Poole with a friend, it was not because of injury or physical limits, but because we chose to. We wanted the chance to connect with people, enjoy the surroundings and really be part of the community rather than rushing through it. Once again, the ParkWalkers were warm, welcoming and wonderfully chatty, and by the time we finished it felt like we had shared the morning with friends rather than strangers. It reminded me that walking parkrun is not a slower version of the event, it is simply a different and often more social way to experience it.
When Pain Changes the Pace, Community Keeps You Moving
Right now, I find myself in that situation again where pain and physical limits mean jogging is not possible. But ParkWalk means I can still turn up, still take part and still feel that buzz that makes parkrun so special. It keeps me moving, connected and positive even on tough days.
And that is the message I really want to share.
If you are one of the lovely supporters sitting on the sidelines waiting for family or friends, consider joining in instead.
Walk it. Chat. Laugh. Be part of the community. You might find it is even more enjoyable than watching.
Parkrun is not about how fast you go. It is about showing up.
Community is what it is all about, and everyone truly is welcome.
And remember, sometimes all it takes is seeing someone walk it first to realise that you can too.
You Have to See It to Be It: Why ParkWalk Matters More Than You Think
I would not be able to take part in ParkWalk now without the support and encouragement of Elite Rehabilitation & Sports Therapy, led by the wonderful Laura Herada. Laura is a highly experienced sports therapist who helped me rebuild strength, manage pain and become mobile through some very challenging phases of my injury. Her belief in steady, achievable progress reminded me that movement, even slow and steady, is still powerful. Thanks to her care and guidance, I’ve been able to enjoy ParkWalk in a way that fits my body and keeps me part of the community.
