Parkrunners Podcast

Catherine Stenson
  • 5.0 (1)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Parkrunners Podcast shares real stories from the global parkrun community—runners, walkers, and volunteers whose lives have been transformed by movement and connection. Hosted by Catherine Stenson, each episode celebrates courage, belonging, and the quiet power of showing up.

  1. 3D AGO

    Priti Kaur: Recovery, Resilience & Running in the London Marathon at 75!

    In this uplifting episode of The Parkrunners Podcast, I’m joined by the wonderful Priti Kaur — a 75-years-young parkrunner from Osterley parkrun whose story is full of grit, resilience and abundant positivity. Priti is taking on the London Marathon for the second time, determined to cross the finish line and finally earn the medal she has dreamed of for so long. After first attempting the race in 2023, she was later diagnosed with myeloma, a blood cancer, and has since come through treatment and into remission. Now, with her trademark warmth, courage and determination, she’s back on the start line.  We talk about her love of movement, how parkrun helped her rebuild strength and joy, why community matters so much, and what it means to keep saying yes to life — even after the toughest of chapters. This is a story of hope, comeback, and the power of putting one foot in front of the other. Give her a listen and show Priti some love! Send us Fan Mail Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

    20 min

  2. APR 17

    From Reluctant Runner to Global parkrun Tourist: Sue Freegard's 300+ Venue Journey

    After a short pause (and a few behind-the-scenes technical podcasting hurdles!), I’m so excited to be back with a truly global parkrun story — and this one is worth the wait. This week, I’m joined by Sue from South Africa, whose parkrun journey didn’t exactly start with love at first run… In fact, Sue was a very reluctant parkrunner at the beginning. But everything changed when she and her husband took a gap year travelling across APAC — including Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia — and discovered a whole new side to parkrun:  > community  > connection  > and a growing obsession with parkrun tourism and challenges Fast forward to today, and Sue has:  🏃‍♀️ Completed 334 parkruns 🌍 Visited 300 different parkrun locations 🙌 Volunteered 167 times across 165 venues In this episode, we explore:  How parkrun can go from “not for me” to a life-changing habit  The magic of parkrun tourism across continents  The role of community when travelling the world  Why volunteering becomes just as meaningful as running  And what keeps Sue coming back week after week, location after location This is a story about transformation, adventure, and the unexpected joy of saying “yes” to something new. If you’ve ever been curious about parkrun — or needed a little nudge to try a new event — this episode might just be it. 🎧 Tune in and join us on this global parkrun journey. Send us Fan Mail Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

    24 min

  3. MAR 7

    From Queenstown parkrun to the Poles: Chris Seymour’s Marathon Grand Slam Mission

    What starts as a simple Saturday-morning 5k can grow into a life of community-building, adventure… and purpose. In this episode of The Parkrunners Podcast, I’m joined by the remarkable Chris Seymour — co-founder of parkrun New Zealand and the founder of Queenstown parkrun (my personal favourite parkrun outside of Bushy Park!). Chris is also one of a tiny group**  worldwide to complete the legendary Marathon Grand Slam — including running a marathon at the North Pole and in Antarctica. But this isn’t just a story about extraordinary start lines. It’s about how parkrun creates belonging, how community fuels resilience, and how running can become a powerful force for good — including Chris’s charitable mission Run Over MLD, inspired by his great-niece Cori. In this conversation, you’ll hear: How parkrun captured Chris’s heart — and why he helped grow it in New ZealandThe story behind launching Queenstown parkrun and what makes it so specialWhat it’s really like to run at the North Pole and in AntarcticaThe mindset behind big goals — and the quiet power of simply showing upHow Chris has used running to raise awareness and funds through Run Over MLD  🎧 Listen now, and if this episode resonates, please follow/subscribe and share it with a parkrunner (or future parkrunner) who needs a lift today. ** 192 athletes worldwide who have conquered marathons on 7 continents + the North Pole Marathon®  Send us Fan Mail Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

    44 min

  4. FEB 27

    From “never run before” to London Marathon, then 66/66 London parkruns: how Tom Sharples turned a dare into his weekly habit!

    In this episode of The Parkrunners Podcast, Catherine Stenson chats with Tom Sharples (@tom_tries_running), who went from never running to finishing the London Marathon after a work colleague dared him to enter the ballot — and he surprisingly got a place first time. After crossing that finish line, Tom wanted to keep the running habit going… and that’s when he discovered parkrun. Starting at Hampstead Heath , Tom found the routine, community and mental reset he’d been looking for — and what began as a simple Saturday habit “accidentally” turned into a huge challenge: completing all 66 parkrun events across London and Greater London. Together they talk about community, confidence, and why running can be such a powerful boost for mental fitness — especially for young men — as well as Tom’s mission to help more people simply try running, without pressure or perfection. In this episode we cover: From non-runner to London Marathon finisher (first ballot attempt!)How to maintain the running habit after a big goal - discover parkrun!Discovering parkrun at Hampstead Heath — and why it stuckThe London/Greater London Challenge: completing all 66 venuesSimple tips for new runners (and why volunteering is a great way to start)Sound bites: “If you run, you’re a runner.”“Parkrun is for everyone.”Find Tom on Instagram: @tom_tries_running Send us Fan Mail Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

    31 min

  5. FEB 20

    'Señorita Commeletia': 500 runs on the horizon & the 'Alphabet Challenge' Queen

    This week on The Parkrunners Podcast, I’m joined by the one and only Commeletia — and yes, she genuinely believes she may be the only Commeletia in the UK (possibly the world), which has earned her the affectionate nickname: “Señorita Commeletia.” Commeletia is a phenomenal parkrun tourist — a true all-rounder who runs, walks, volunteers, and travels with purpose. She’s also a serious challenge-chaser: the 3rd person ever to complete all 11 Alphabet Challenges, collecting parkruns like postcards and proving that Saturday mornings can build a whole world of friendships, routines, and adventures. And there’s even more excitement bubbling… she’s just a few parkruns away from her 500 milestone shirt — a huge moment on the horizon. In this episode we talk about: What drives her love of parkrun tourism (and how she plans trips around it)The joy of mixing running, walking, and volunteering across different communitiesThe mindset behind big challenges — and how to keep it fun, not franticWhy parkrun has a way of turning places into home, even when you’re far awayIf you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I’ll try a new parkrun one day…” — this one might just tip you into planning your next adventure. Send us Fan Mail Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

    31 min

  6. FEB 14

    Valentine’s Day Special: James & Lynne Love at parkrun (Cusworth Hall) 💛🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️💍

    What if your Saturday morning 5k didn’t just change your fitness… but changed your whole life? In this Valentine’s Day Special Edition of The Parkrunners Podcast, I’m joined by James & Lynne Donaldson — whose relationship has been beautifully shaped by Cusworth Hall parkrun. From dating, to getting engaged, to an unforgettable moment that still makes me smile… they even spent their wedding day morning at parkrun. This episode is pure parkrun magic: warm, joyful, and full of those little community moments that turn into life’s biggest milestones. We chat about the role parkrun played in bringing them together, the support and smiles of the Cusworth Hall community, and why parkrun becomes so much more than “just a run” — it becomes a place you belong. Whether you’re running, walking, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, this one’s for anyone who’s ever felt the power of parkrun connection — and the love that grows from showing up, week after week. 🎧 Press play for a feel-good story of love at parkrun… and love for parkrun. In this episode, we cover: How Lynne & James’ parkrun journey began at Cusworth HallThe moment their relationship turned into “something more”A parkrun engagement (yes!) and what made it so specialWhy they chose to start their wedding day at parkrunThe community spirit that makes parkrun a catalyst for connection💬 Tell me your story: Have you found love at parkrun — or a deeper love for life because of parkrun Follow / connect: Instagram: @theparkrunnerspodcast Facebook:  LinkedIn Send us Fan Mail Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

    24 min

  7. JAN 31

    Mike Seaman: From parkrun to 200-milers: building community & making live events more sustainable

    This week I’m joined by Mike Seaman — founder and CEO of Raccoon Media Group and the driving force behind the award-winning National Running Show. Mike’s story is a fascinating mix of community, ambition, and doing hard things: from building a major portfolio of live events for passion-led communities, to taking on some of the toughest endurance challenges out there — including 100-mile and 200-mile ultra races and fundraising as he goes for Birmingham Children's Hospital.  Though Mike is in his early stages of clocking up parkruns, he shares why parkrun still matters, what the community gets so right, and how those same principles show up in endurance sport and in business. We also go behind the scenes of the running boom, what Mike’s seeing across the sport right now, and why sustainability in live events is becoming a non-negotiable. A warm, grounded conversation that’s as relevant if you’re a weekly parkrunner or parkwalker as it is if you’re ultra-curious about what it takes to go further than you ever thought possible. In this episode we cover: Mike’s parkrun connection — and what's bringing him backWhy people choose big challenges (and what gets you through the darkest moments)Lessons ultras teach that apply to everyday running and lifeWhat’s changing in the running world — trends, community, and participationBuilding the National Running Show and scaling a community-led events businessSustainability in the exhibition industry and how live events can do betterCall to action: If you enjoyed this episode, please follow The Parkrunners Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and share it with a friend or your running group — it helps more people discover the parkrun joy. If you want, paste me your episode link once Buzzsprout generates it and I’ll also write 3–5 platform-ready promo captions for Instagram/Facebook/LinkedIn to match the weekend timing with the Running Show. Send us Fan Mail Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

    36 min

  8. JAN 25

    Marcia Dubbelaar - A “Double Dutch” legend & global parkrun adventurer

    What starts as a holiday curiosity can turn into a global Saturday-morning habit. This week I’m joined by Marcia Dubbelaar — my first Dutch guest — who  discovered parkrun while travelling in South Africa and went on to become a passionate parkrun tourist and volunteer. Marcia has now completed all 27 Dutch parkruns twice (the “Double Dutch” challenge), and she’s collected stories, friendships and unforgettable finishes in 22 countries. In this episode, we chat about: How parkrun tourism really works (planning, turning up solo, and feeling instantly welcome)What makes The Netherlands parkrun scene so special — and Marcia’s favourite moments at her local Schoterbos parkrunWhy volunteering is the secret ingredient to belonging (and how tourists can give back)The joy of collecting venues — and the lessons you take home from every start lineWhether you’re a seasoned parkrunner, a curious parkwalker/volunteer, or someone who’s never tried it… this conversation might just make you want to set an alarm for Saturday morning. 🎧 Listen now, and if you enjoyed it, please follow/subscribe and share this episode with a friend who needs a little weekend motivation Send us Fan Mail Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

    28 min
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About

Parkrunners Podcast shares real stories from the global parkrun community—runners, walkers, and volunteers whose lives have been transformed by movement and connection. Hosted by Catherine Stenson, each episode celebrates courage, belonging, and the quiet power of showing up.

Information

  • Creator
    Catherine Stenson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Parkrunners Podcast
  • Show Website
    Parkrunners Podcast

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