What Christians can learn from Parkrun

My family made me do it. Joining Parkrun was a shameless bid to score brownie points with my nephew and niece.  But as I huff and puff around the route each week, lapped by sprightly septuagenarians, I am struck by how much the Church could learn from it.

For the uninitiated, Parkrun is a free 5K race manned by volunteers, which takes place across hundreds of communities every Saturday morning. It began in Bushy Park, London, 20 years ago this month. Since then, Parkrun has expanded beyond the UK into another 22 countries in North America, Europe, Australasia, Africa and Asia. It now has more than nine million registered runners.

At my local Parkrun, all ages are represented, from energetic parents pushing prams to old-timers proudly wearing t-shirts marking their completion of 250 Parkruns.

At my local Parkrun, all ages are represented, from energetic parents pushing prams to old-timers proudly wearing t-shirts marking their completion of 250 Parkruns. Young kids toddle alongside their parents, and twentysomethings zip by me like the roadrunner. The diversity of ages at Parkrun delights me.

Often in the Church, it’s tempting to stick to our own age groups. I’ve lost track of the number of times a kindly welcome team has introduced me to a person of my own age. Yet some of my richest friendships are with people who are older than me. Their wisdom and hunger for God inspires me to pursue him more. I’ve also learnt more about worship from kids joyfully dancing at church than I ever have from a preach.

Yet some of my richest friendships are with people who are older than me.

In both Parkrun and church, there’s something to be said for collective determination too, driving each other on to reach personal goals. Each Saturday at 9am, rain or shine, I have an appointment with hundreds of other people to go for a jog.

The other week, I smashed my PB. When my friend ran with me, my competitive spirit emerged. I picked up the pace, determined to outrun her. Isn’t that what church should be about? No, not the desire to crush friends in competition… but rather encouraging one another to go deeper with God while holding each other accountable ̶   whether that’s praying more, reading the Bible or growing in spiritual gifts. Growth doesn’t happen accidentally.

For the avoidance of doubt, we are defined by what Jesus did on the cross, an act of God’s sheer grace. It’s not about personal achievements or the number of missed days on Bible in One Year. (Not just me right?) But implementing healthy habits to connect with God ̶   while being honest about our struggles with friends ̶   can only be a positive thing. As part of staying accountable with loved ones over the years, I’ve recognised the power of encouragement and expressing gratitude to each other. Our family now has a Parkrun WhatsApp group, which pings with supportive messages before the race, and collective celebrations of our achievements afterwards.

And, at Parkrun itself, race marshals are dotted along the route, cheering participants on with varying degrees of enthusiasm. It gives the runners a real lift, prompting them to declare politely: ‘Thank you marshal.’

I smile at the mutual support and respect that runners and marshals have for each other. Imagine how different the Church would look if people regularly shared words of encouragement with each other, thanking and celebrating each member’s contributions.

And, perhaps most crucially, all participants are welcome at Parkrun. Whether they’re sprinting ahead or strolling at the back with the volunteer tail walkers, everyone can enjoy the event at their own pace without fear of judgement.

I would love to be able to say the same for the Church, but the reality is that sometimes – perhaps subconsciously – we judge people on their abilities or shortcomings. I’d like to learn to see people as God sees them – loved members of his family – before anything else.

Romans 14:1 urges: ‘Welcome all the Lord’s followers, even those whose faith is weak.’ When I have periods of weakness in faith, I always appreciate the unconditional love and wise counsel of church family.

I’m grateful that my church is already living out most of these Parkrun practices. But we can always improve. I can’t help thinking that if the Church defined itself by a culture of welcome, encouragement and love, it would reach its personal best.