Parkrun and 5K challenge to get one million people moving

Parkrun has partnered with The Nation’s 5K Challenge, a new nationwide movement initiative aiming to inspire one million people across the UK and Ireland to become more active. The challenge launched on 27 June 2026 and will be led by fitness coach and endurance athlete Esmée Gummer, who will run 5,000km through 77 cities between 27 June and 3 October.

The Nation’s 5K Challenge has already attracted strong public interest, with more than 1300 people registering in the first 24 hours of sign-ups opening.