Parkrun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt

In this episode of The Runners World Podcast, hosts Rick Pearson and Ben Hobson talk to Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the founder of Parkrun and author of "One Small Step." Paul discusses how his tumultuous childhood and formative experiences have influenced his life and vision for Parkrun. He reflects on overcoming challenges in his youth, including a difficult marriage, and emphasizes the importance of kindness and true connections in his life.

Paul reveals that the founding of Parkrun stemmed from a desire to create a free and accessible community running initiative. He highlights how crucial safety, trust, and fairness shaped his approach to both his personal life and Parkrun. Despite initial resistance from friends, Paul was determined to commit to Parkrun, leading to its global proliferation. He credits a systematic, a process-driven mindset for Parkrun’s growth and sustainability.

As they navigate through the conversation, Paul shares his journey as a runner, accolades, and how running transformed his self-esteem. He emphasizes the social aspect of running events, detailing the connections made beyond fitness, such as friendships fostered over coffee post-runs. Paul passionately discusses Parkrun's impact during COVID-19 and how it serves as a resource for mental well-being, aligning with healthcare professionals advocating for physical activity as integral to mental health.

Towards the end, Paul addresses the community-centric nature of Parkrun, how it has united neighborhoods, and how its model could possibly inspire free events in other distance categories. His hopes for the future focus on furthering Parkrun's global reach while maintaining its charitable roots. The episode wraps up with reflections on the profound influence Parkrun has had on his life and countless others.