Why etiquette matters at parkrun
parkrun works because it is run by volunteers on shared public land with a wide mix of abilities all in the same space at the same time. Most of what gets called etiquette is just common sense. But if you are new to it, knowing the unwritten rules in advance makes the whole experience better for you and everyone around you.
Before the run
- Seed yourself honestly. Line up at the start in a position that reflects your likely pace. Fast runners at the front, walkers and slower runners toward the back. If you are not sure, start towards the middle and see how the field spreads out. Starting too far forward and getting passed by the entire field for the first kilometre is frustrating for everyone.
- Do not block the path on the way to the start. Most events use shared park paths. Other people are using the park too. Walk to the start area rather than jogging back and forth on the course.
- Listen to the briefing. The Run Director gives a briefing at about 8:55am. It covers course information, any hazards, volunteer recognition and first-timer welcome. It takes two minutes. Pay attention.
- Tell a volunteer if it is your first time. They will point you in the right direction and you will usually get a mention at the briefing.
During the run
- Call your position before overtaking. A simple "on your left" or "coming through" is enough. Overtaking in silence, particularly on a narrow path, startles people.
- Thank the marshals. They have been standing in the same spot for 30 minutes to point you in the right direction. A nod or a thank you costs you nothing and means a lot.
- Give way to other park users. parkrun uses public land. Dog walkers, cyclists and families with pushchairs were there before you. Do not expect them to move for you.
- Do not cut the course. Even accidentally. If you are unsure of the route, follow the runner in front or ask a marshal. A shorter distance means your time is not comparable to anyone else who ran the full 5km.
- If you are running with a dog, keep it close. More on this below in the dog section, but a dog on a long lead weaving across the path is a hazard to other runners.
- Do not stop suddenly. If you need to stop or slow significantly, check behind you first. The finish area especially can get crowded.
At the finish
- Keep moving through the finish funnel. Once you cross the finish line you will be handed a finish position token. Keep walking forward and do not stop to chat until you are clear of the funnel. Blocking it holds up everyone behind you.
- Hold on to your finish token. The token is scanned against your barcode to give you your result. If you lose it before scanning, you will not get a time. Treat it like it matters, because it does.
- Have your barcode ready. By the time you reach the barcode scanners your token should be in one hand and your barcode in the other. Fumbling for your phone in your pocket while there is a queue behind you is avoidable.
- Do not share your barcode. Your barcode is registered to you. Running under someone else's barcode gives them a time that is not theirs and distorts age group and position data for everyone else. parkrun asks that you only use your own barcode.
No barcode, no result
parkrun operates a strict no-barcode, no-result policy. You can still run without one but you will not receive an official time. Print a spare and keep it in your kit bag. Screenshots on a phone work too as long as the scanner can read them.
General
- Do not use headphones on narrow sections. You need to be able to hear marshals and other runners. On wide paths it is generally fine. On single-track trail sections, one ear out is the minimum.
- Pick up any litter you drop. parkrun events depend on goodwill from landowners. Leaving litter is one of the fastest ways to jeopardise an event's future at a venue.
- Volunteer occasionally. You have probably worked out by now that the event only exists because people give up their Saturday morning to make it happen. If you run regularly, volunteering once in a while is the right thing to do.
Know a parkrun course well?
SaturdayOff course guides are written by runners who actually know the event. If you run somewhere regularly and want to share what you know, we would love to hear from you.
Submit a course guideCommon questions
- Where should I line up at a parkrun start?
- Based on your expected pace. Fast runners at the front, walkers at the back. If you are unsure, start in the middle. The field spreads out within the first few hundred metres regardless.
- Can I use headphones at parkrun?
- Yes, but be considerate. On wide open paths headphones are generally fine. On narrow or crowded sections, keep one ear free so you can hear marshals and other runners.
- What happens if I forget my barcode?
- You can still run but will not receive an official time. parkrun operates a no-barcode, no-result policy. Keep a printed spare in your kit bag or a screenshot on your phone as a backup.
- Can I run with a pushchair at parkrun?
- Yes. Pushchairs and buggies are welcome at most parkrun events. Be aware of other runners on narrow sections and start near the back to avoid congestion in the early stages.