Action research with parkrun UK volunteer organizers to develop inclusive strategies

Abstract

This article addresses the challenge of promoting physical activity through a focus on equity and engaging physically inactive citizens through the development of inclusive strategies within parkrun UK—a free, volunteer-led, weekly mass community participation running event. We discuss how a UK-based action research design enabled collaboration with volunteer event organizers to understand participant experiences, constraints and develop localized inclusive practices. In contrast with ‘expert’-driven health behaviour interventions, our research pursued a ‘ground up’ approach by asking what can be learnt from the successes and challenges of organizing community events, such as parkrun UK, to promote inclusion? A modified participatory action research approach was used with four parkrun sites across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, that involved quantitative and qualitative analysis of survey data (n = 655) that informed the process. Our analysis explored parkrunners’ and volunteer organizers’ perceptions relating to (i) the demographics of parkrun participation and (ii) actions for change in relation to the challenges of engaging marginalized groups (women, ethnic minorities, low income, older people, those with disabilities or illness). We discuss the challenges and opportunities for addressing (in)equity and inclusion through volunteer-based organizations and the implications for translating knowledge into organizational strategies.

How can we get more people with long-term health conditions involved in parkrun? A qualitative study evaluating parkrun’s PROVE project

“…Success was also deemed to be dependent on parkrun successfully challenging misconceptions that parkrun is for runners only. Previous parkrun research presents examples of how acceptance and provision for individuals with visual impairments and welcoming groups of Nordic walkers demonstrates the potential for parkrun to attract ‘non-traditional’ populations [13, 26], but the current findings suggest that more can be done to communicate that parkrun is welcoming and inclusive to all. Guidelines for health promotion programmes for people with disabilities suggest that opportunities should be socially, behaviourally, and environmentally accessible [24].…”

Evidence on the reach and impact of the social physical activity phenomenon parkrun: A scoping review

“…Four papers described the participant (who may run/walk and/or volunteer) profile of parkrunners ( Stevinson and Hickson, 2014 , Cleland et al, 2019 , Fullagar et al, 2019 , Grunseit et al, 2019 ). All studies recruited individuals directly through parkrun (rather than from the general population) and were cross-sectional analyses.…”

“…Two studies were conducted in Australia, one nationally ( Grunseit et al, 2018 ), the other in one state (Tasmania) ( Cleland et al, 2019 ). Of two UK studies, one recruited widely across the nation ( Stevinson and Hickson, 2014 ) and the other targeted just four sites ( Fullagar et al, 2019 ).…”

Exploring the Benefits of Participation in Community-Based Running and Walking Events: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Parkrun Participants

“…Further research to explore factors related to bene ts from participation There is a growing body of qualitative research exploring the motivations for participation in parkrun and the positive bene ts experienced by those who attend (7-9, 27, 28). Research has also explored the barriers to participation for speci c communities and population groups and the potential for action research in developing inclusive strategies to increase participation by underrepresented groups (11). Valuable insights could be gleaned from understanding the barriers to participation in community initiatives like parkrun among people from more inactive groups, including those from socioeconomically deprived areas.…”

“…parkrun events are organised by local volunteer teams and the opportunity to volunteer is open to all. parkrun events are promoted as being inclusive to people from all backgrounds and abilities and research evidence would support its perceived inclusivity (7)(8)(9)(10)(11). An increasing proportion of events have been established in more economically disadvantaged urban areas in the UK, with higher population density resulting in better geographical access to events for those living in areas of higher socioeconomic deprivation (12).…”