The Leeds Building Society has completed a successful first year with Parkrun UK after its community partner saw thousands more walkers, runners and volunteers joining the volunteer-led scheme.
To mark the anniversary the society launching a new Community Reward scheme to help even more people enjoy the benefits of Parkrun UK.
The Society partnered with Parkrun in May 2017 with the aim of strengthening local communities and helping to keep the weekly 5k events free for everyone.
Since then Parkrun in the UK has continued to grow at an increased pace, adding 75 new events in the past 12 months, at locations including Upton House, near Bournemouth, and Worcester Pitchcroft. This takes the total number of weekly gatherings to 524.
At those new events launched since May last year, 28,044 people walked, jogged or ran with Parkrun for the first time, with a further 5,014 more people making their debut as volunteers.
The total number of Parkrun volunteers nationally rose by almost 28% to 204,474 over the same period.
“We’re so pleased to have been able to support Parkrun UK as the movement continues to gather momentum and grow at an even faster pace,” said Nikki Marsh, Leeds Building Society’s director of customer and digital.
“The aim of our partnership was to bring more communities together and create lasting benefits for walkers, runners and volunteers, as well as helping to ensure Parkrun stays free for everyone.
“To celebrate Leeds Building Society’s first year in partnership with Parkrun UK, we’re launching our new Community Reward scheme so these walkers, runners and volunteers can share the benefits even more widely.”
Nick Pearson, Parkrun’s chief executive, said: “Community is one of the foundations of every Parkrun event, and with the support of our partners including Leeds Building Society we are able to engage with more and more areas as part of our mission to create a healthier and happier planet.
“With new Parkruns launching up and down the country every single weekend we are proud to be partnered with an organisation that understands and shares our values.”
Leeds Building Society’s Community Reward scheme is open to participants of Parkrun events nationwide and offers grants and practical support to initiatives which make a long-term, positive difference in their communities. A £25,000 fund will be shared among successful projects across the country over the next 12 months.