Tom Gordon MP tables a motion celebrating Parkrun
Harrogate and Knaresborough’s Lib Dem MP has tabled a motion in parliament celebrating Parkrun’s 20th anniversary. Tom is a regular attender at Harrogate’s weekly parkrun.
Parkrun was founded 20 years ago in Bushy Park, London and runs timed 5k events around the country and the world, in 20 different countries. The events are open to anyone regardless of age, ability, or background, run with the help of volunteers.
The motion notes the health benefits parkrun brings to communities, and calls on the government to support grassroots physical activity initiatives that contribute to healthier and more connected communities across the UK.
Commenting, Tom said:
“That Parkrun has reached its 20th anniversary is testament to the dedication of its volunteers, and the incredibly positive impact that it has had on communities across the UK and around the world.
“I wanted to table this motion to recognise the positive impact that Parkrun has had on so many lives and communities over the last 20 years. It is a great testament to the dedication of its volunteers that it has reached this milestone. Thank you in particular to those in my constituency who give up their Saturday mornings to help run the Harrogate and Knaresborough events.
“The massive, positive impact of Parkrun has been extended to Harrogate as well, with the weekly parkrun on the Stray. This is always a highlight of my week, and something that I find extremely valuable. I look forward to watching Parkrun continue and grow, and to attending many more myself.”
ENDS
The text of the motion is as follows:
That this House celebrates the 20th anniversary of Parkrun, which was founded in 2004 in Bushy Park, London, that now operates in 20 countries with millions of participants worldwide, encouraging physical activity, community spirit, and inclusivity, providing free, weekly, timed 5k events that are accessible to all regardless of age, ability, or background; commends the remarkable volunteers whose dedication makes Parkrun possible, acknowledges the health benefits it has brought to communities, and applauds the positive mental and physical wellbeing fostered by this initiative; and calls on the Government to support such grassroots physical activity initiatives that contribute to healthier, more connected communities across the UK.
The EDM was submitted today (7th October 2024), and should be online soon.
Harrogate Parkrun is on the Stray, and Knaresborough’s event is held at Conyngham Hall