Before & After
Those are pictures from one of the first parkruns and one of the most recent parkruns at Bushy Park where parkrun started in 2004 (2 October).
Today was parkrun’s 14th Birthday.
- Before: Here is a link to the first ever, ever, ever parkrun results https://www.parkrun.org.uk/bushy/results/weeklyresults/?runSeqNumber=1 with the mens ‘event’ won by Chris Owens (Ranelagh Harriers) and the ladies event won by Rachel Rowan (Thames Turbo Triathlon). A total of 13 finishers
- After (Today): Here is a link to today’s event https://www.parkrun.org.uk/bushy/results/weeklyresults/?runSeqNumber=755 where there were 1540 finishers. This time neither club managed a victory but Ranelagh Harriers had 16 finishers and Thames Turbo had 13 finishers ie as many from each club as the total number of finishers in the first ever race! Which shows that running/triathlon clubs are obviously getting involved because of the relative ease to which club runs can be organised either socially or semi-competitively.
This was just short of the biggest ever parkrun attendance of 1,705
- Before: Median finish time (as the maths is easier) 21:01
- After: Median finish time today: 27:18
Note that parkrun see year-on-year slower average finish times as a measure of success. It is one indicator that more people are getting involved from all walks of life.
- Before: The first ever parkrun barcode was given to athlete number 5, Abigail Storms: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/athleteresultshistory/?athleteNumber=5 in approximately October 2005. The first events did not have barcodes – my understanding is that the first 2500 barcodes (excluding 1-4) were assigned alphabetically.
- After: The 5 millionth parkrun registered athlete must therefore be Sarah HEWITT https://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/athleteresultshistory/?athleteNumber=5000000
But really the honour of the 5 millionth registered parkrunner should go to Oliver HAMMANS https://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/athleteresultshistory/?athleteNumber=5000005 I am still happy with having a 4 digit parkrun number on my barcode (significantly less than 10,000) but I always rue, a little, not getting in on the parkrun act earlier. 😉
- Before: Paul Sinton-HEWITT
- After: Paul Sinton-HEWITT CBE
Not a lot of people know that me (random internet person) and some other random internet person (JMJ) got local MP, Vince Cable to support Paul’s nomination. That nomination was supported by KW, TW and 2 further ‘random’ runners from Richmond parkrun.
Some bedtime reading for you…
This: https://the5krunner.com/tag/parkrun/
or
Fastest parkrun, Hardest parkrun & Easiest Courses in UK | difficulty ratings
Fastest parkrun, Hardest parkrun & Easiest Courses in UK | difficulty ratings
Related reading: Dartford Heath parkrun – youtube, pictures, course description & info.
Related reading: Jersey parkrun – youtube, pictures, course description & info.
More of the parkrun story, including training guides, technology, and course reviews, is indexed in the parkrun hub.
Last Updated on 27 May 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session.
- Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch.
- Stryd — the footpod that brings running power to your Garmin. The single most useful running upgrade I have made.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
Gonna try Tring or the new Wendover course any time soon?