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Parkrun hails power of print with new magazine

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Parkrun: inclusive, representative, supportive and kind
Parkrun: inclusive, representative, supportive and kind

Community running and physical activity organisation Parkrun has launched its own, free magazine citing the mental health benefits of being away from screens in “an increasingly digital world”.

The first issue was handed out at Parkrun events last weekend. It’s also available via the Parkrun website if purchasers pick up the postage cost. 

Parkrun said: “The new magazine is a manifestation of parkrun’s commitment to inclusivity, and to connecting with those who may have the most to gain from being social, active and outdoors in their local community.”

The organisation said it had  chosen to go into print “because in an increasingly digital world, time away from screens to consume information at your own pace is important for mental health”.

“Bringing words to life on paper gives them the space to be enjoyed in any surroundings, at any speed, and then passed on for others to enjoy, anytime and anywhere.”

The 48pp, 263mm x 196mm, stitched product also included a mini-magazine pull-out intended to be passed on to others, to help grow the Parkrun community.

Parkrun also asserted that the magazine was different from other running magazines. 

Global CEO Russ Jefferys said: “For decades now, the ‘running’ and ‘health’ magazine sector has too often been complicit in perpetuating a toxic image of physical activity. We are committed to changing this. 

“It’s time to really challenge what it means to be physically active, what you wear, or how you take part. You don’t need to be afraid, you don’t have to win, or feel competitive. It’s time for a ‘running magazine’ to be inclusive, representative, supportive and kind. A publication that celebrates joining in, showing up, and taking part, no matter what that might look like.”

Parkrun head of communications Kirsty Woodbridge played an instrumental role in the project, and commented: “As we move through the post-pandemic world, access to free, regular physical activity and the opportunity for social connection is vital. 

“The magazine is a huge, bold step in our commitment to not only telling Parkrun’s story in a different way, but reaching those who arguably need to hear it the most. It is another tool for us to engage those who might be on the fringes of society, who might be thinking about taking those first tentative steps into getting active, or are looking for free and inclusive ways to be a part of their local community; and to show them how truly welcome they are at Parkrun events, and how easy it is to join in.”

Parkrun teamed with indie running mag Like the Wind as its contract publishing partner, while Greg Frost of Greg Frost Solutions advised on production. 

The new magazine is printed on FSC paper at Warners Midlands in Bourne. 

Marketing director Michael Warner said: “We are always delighted when a customer gets great feedback from their print. We take a great deal of pride in our people, plant and equipment so seeing something that we have recently printed in the limelight is very exciting and rewarding for us.”

Simon Freeman, editor and publisher at Like the Wind, said: “Parkrun is investing in this title because they believe in the power of print to reach people in a way social media cannot and doesn’t do.”

The title gained traction on social media and was warmly welcomed by Parkrun participants across the country. 

They included Fujifilm Europe digital press and print manager Mark Stephenson, a keen runner, who was delighted to also note that Warners uses Fujifilm’s Superia LH-PLE low-chemistry plates. 

Stephenson said: “Print and Parkrun, my two most favourite things. I was handed a copy of the new, free, Parkrun magazine as I crossed the finish line and it felt like I was winning a medal. Pity I only came 232nd out of 355 runners at Warwick Racecourse, I blame the fences.”

Printweek understands the first print run was six figures, and the run and frequency will be assessed following feedback from issue one, with Parkrun ambitous to reach as wide an audience as possible.

Parkruns take place at 770 locations and more than 40m finishes have been recorded since the first event took place in Bushy Park near Teddington, back in 2004.

Parkrun’s events are free thanks to the support of its partners Vitality, Alzheimer’s Research UK, the Co-op, and WithU.

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