Surge in Over 65's joining parkrun in the UK

There was an article in the Guardian recently about how those in the over-65 age category are starting to do 5k parkruns in increasing numbers.

As can be seen from the chart above, the growth in the 18-24 age category has leveled off in 2018. This is also the age category which has been declining in athletic clubs for years.

In contrast, those aged 65 and over are taking to parkrun in droves and has grown fourfold in four years.

This surge is probably due to the very nature of parkrun. Road races can seem very intimidating to members of the public whereas 5k parkruns are all about participation. They're all about some light exercise early on a Saturday morning and people can run, jog or walk as they like.

“My confidence and self-esteem have gone through the roof. If you can run, you feel you can do anything,”

The full article can be seen here... https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/dec/15/over-65s-join-parkruns