WIREDGOV

Collaboration aims to create 200 new events and boost participants from under-represented groups.

A £3 million investment in parkrun will see the free 5km runs focus on helping more women and people from lower socio-economic groups to get active.

We'll collaborate with parkrun for three years to support the creation of 200 new events across England.

The National Lottery money will help to build on the phenomenal growth parkrun has seen in the 14 years since its creation.

With 125,436 events in 584 locations, parkrun has more than 1.8 million registered runners and our aim is to extend that network.

Our investment will focus on the key areas of increasing the number of women and girls who take part, as well as increasing participation from lower socio-economic groups – two major targets in our strategy Towards an Active Nation.

“This important partnership with parkrun is part of our ongoing strategy to help grow new and innovative sporting ideas and broaden their reach into the demographics in society who are least likely to be active,” said our chief executive, Tim Hollingsworth.

“The funding – which is only possible thanks to National Lottery players – will enable parkrun to reach females and people on a low income, who are less likely to be active than the general population.

“We know from our research that cost and a lack of local opportunities are real barriers in stopping people being more active, and what parkrun does brilliantly is offer free, community-based events for all abilities.

“We’re looking forward to working with parkrun to help even more people get and stay active.”

parkrun began in October 2004, with a timed 5km run in Bushy Park, south west London.

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