Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, parkrun health partnerships lead, added: “Since we started the parkrun practice programme in 2018, we’ve seen the impact that prescribing parkrun can have on people with a range of health conditions but there is huge potential to do more by connecting every GP practice to their local parkrun event.”.
“With the government set to announce their 10-Year Health Plan, we believe parkrun can play a vital part in helping reduce the pressure on the NHS and creating a healthier, happier and more active nation by expanding our parkrun practice programme and making sure that parkrun reaches those with most to gain from taking part in it.”.
“Prevention for health is a clinical priority for the RCGP, so it’s great to see our partnership with parkrun UK – connecting GP practices to local parkrun events – go from strength to strength with nearly 2000 practices signed up.”.
“Participating in parkrun, whether that be walking, running, volunteering or even just coming down to your local park to be outdoors with others, is a great way for people to start to make improvements to their physical and mental health,” said parkrun chief executive Russ Jefferys.
A poll of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by YouGov on behalf of parkrun, found that 65 per cent believe GPs should prescribe parkruns, with 51% of adults agreeing that such a move could help reduce pressure on the NHS.
