The starting signal for the first Würzburg parkrun is given on Saturday, February 8, at 9 a.m. From then on, everyone who wants to run, jog or walk together meets every Saturday morning on the banks of the Main in Sanderau.
A concept for everyone
The concept is simple: no matter where in the world, the park runs always start at 9 a.m. on Saturdays, the distance is five kilometers and participation is free. Anyone who registers once can take part anywhere in the world and who even wants to take their time.
Everyone can run, no matter how well prepared, how fast or how well equipped. The event should not be a competition between the runners, instead the fun of running together and the feeling of community should be in the foreground. So prams, dogs and wheelchairs are not only welcome, they are also welcome.
Photo: parkrun Marketing
Almost 20,000 participants in Germany alone
From Japan to Canada to Namibia – and now also in Würzburg. Parkrun originated in London in 2004 when some running enthusiasts met regularly on Saturday mornings to do sports together. From there, the idea picked up speed. The races have also been officially launched in Germany since December 2017, with almost 20,000 participants registered across the country.
Australian-born Sam Macaulay first noticed the concept in Paris and was immediately impressed. “After the run, I noticed how a real community is built up.” Parkrun is a good opportunity to exchange ideas with people from different walks of life, whether young or old, no matter from which city or country, according to the 37-year-old.
“It’s nice to do something for the city with the parkrun, but of course also for myself”
Sam Macaulay, co-founder of the Würzburg park run–
After moving to Würzburg in November 2018, Sam Macaulay also wanted to establish a parkrun here. As a newcomer, this should also help him to find connections in the new city, which was previously limited to work colleagues and acquaintances through his own children. He turned to the person responsible for Germany at the parkrun organization himself and was accompanied through the entire development process, from the idea to the finished parkrun.
Photo: Sam Macaulay
With a team of co-organizers consisting of about ten runners and helpers, a suitable route was found, tried out and test runs have been carried out regularly since October 2019. The starting point at the parking lot of the Kurt-Schumacher-Promenade offers a straight route along the banks of the Main that is perfect for a run together. The beautiful view from the running route to the fortress should give additional incentive to participate, says Macaulay.
The first participants even come from Nuremberg and Munich
The whole thing is handled by volunteers. So if you do not want to participate directly, you can also do so. So there is a leader for every run, but also marshals for safety and cheering, volunteers for timing and counting, as well as a final companion. The anticipation is great, even members of the parkrun community from Munich and Nuremberg have announced themselves for the premiere in Würzburg.
After completing the run, there is always a coffee together, so according to Macaulay, the social component is not neglected. Participants can share their experiences, get to know each other and at best become part of a community that is enthusiastic about running.
More information about the parkrun
If you want to participate, you should register online in advance or come to the parking lot on the Kurt-Schumacher-Promenade on Saturday at 9 a.m. You can find more information at www.parkrun.com.de/kurtschumacherpromenade
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