Park Run 5K at Cannon Hill park
Every Saturday at 9am, hundreds of people join together to run 5 kilometers at Cannon Hill park in Birmingham and in many more location across the UK.
What is parkrun?
parkrun is lead by volunteers and organise free weekly 5K run across the country in 631 locations. I live in Moseley, Birmingham so my local parkrun happens at Cannon Hill park in Edgbaston, right opposite the cricket ground.
When is it?
The Cannon Hill park run (and most other I believe) starts at 9am every Saturday. I recommend to get there about 15mins prior to have time to stretch your legs and listen to the safety guidelines.
How do I join?
Although is completely free, you will need to register on the parkrun website to obtain your unique barcode. You must then print it (phone not accepted) and keep it with you for the run. At the crossing line, you will be given a token which will then be scanned along with your barcode. This is how you will get your running time.
If you have forgotten your barcode, you can always remember the number on your token (which is also your rank) and compare it to the next tracked number on the leaderboard.
You will then be emailed your results in the following afternoon.
Why running?
After walking, running is what humans were built for. I believe it is a great sport to build endurance, power and stamina. It puts your body into an aerobic state which trains your cardiovascular system.
If you ever wonder why I (sometimes, not always) run in sandals, you must read a book by Chris McDougall called Born to run. He explains with great detail how running barefoot is the most natural way to run and prevent injuries. The book is based on a Mexican tribe, the Tarahumara who run ultra-distances across canyon wearing sandals made form old tyres, called Huaraches.
Am I fit enough?
parkrun is a very inclusive event. They encourage people from all ages and fitness levels to join. The age bracket ranges from 10 to 79+ and timings from 15mins to 45mins. So don’t be put off by a “I’m not fit enough” feeling, simply pur your trainers on (or sandals like I do) and turn up for the run.
You will be amazed how much progress you will make in the first few weeks just by attending regularly.
Run with us
If you would like to tag along with us Resolute Citizens please let me know on Instagram Guillaume Piot. It’s always more fun to run with people we know and share our experience at the end of the race.
