PRIORITY 2:

GreaterSport and parkrun hosted a partner engagement event in September with over 50 cross sector partners and parkrun volunteers in attendance. The purpose being to co-produce and set a Greater Manchester ambition for parkrun.

parkrun highlighted their commitment to work more intensely in Greater Manchester, with the aspiration to trail a number of small scale, high impact interventions to improve health and well-being, social engagement and develop a sense of community and togetherness.

The session was energetic, thought provoking and sparked off great conversations and ideas about how Greater Manchester could use parkrun to create more active and inclusive communities.

A fantastic example of this was presented by 5k your way’s ambassador Tony Collier who explained how being a part of parkrun has enabled those living with, had or being affected by cancer an opportunity to be active, whilst providing a social support network and community.

There were five key themes that came out from the workshop:

Inclusivity – more GM residents participating regardless of age, ability or personal circumstance.

Volunteers – the recruitment, retention and diversity of the parkrun volunteer workforce.

Location - targeting areas of deprivation and alternative environments.

Connected communities – ensuring parkrun creates a sense of place / belonging and connects with families.

Innovation – develop the GM parkrun ‘laboratory’ acting as a testbed for parkrun practices. Parkrun prisons, 5K Your Way, parkwalk etc.