A Workington man has said that parkrun has done wonders for his mental health and is encouraging others to take part in the Saturday morning 5k event.
Martyn Wilson, who has been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, said: “I spent a few years watching the local Workington parkrun, while out walking my dog, doubting it was for me.
“I find new places and lots of people very intimidating. I can’t really explain what changed my mind but when I plucked up the courage to attend my first parkrun I found it to be such a brilliant, friendly and welcoming atmosphere with both the parkrunners and volunteers all so supportive.
“I enjoyed the feeling of a nice community of people all encouraging each other.”
Martyn is one of the 10 million-strong parkrun community, of which nearly 400,000 people will run, walk, jog and volunteer at a parkrun each weekend around the world.
He also recently stepped out his comfort zone to try a new parkrun course, he added: “I’ve become a regular parkrunner at Workington and have just tried my first ‘other parkrun’ at the Keswick event, which challenged my anxiety but ended up being an amazing experience.
“I am also now taking my children, Sienna and Octavia, to Keswick junior parkrun and they love it!”
Wilson has a message for people considering trying their local parkrun, he said: “For me the benefits of parkrun go much further than becoming physically fitter, it has done wonders for my mental health, which I have struggled with in the past and still do at times.
“I’ve also met lots of fantastic people. I would recommend parkrun to anyone.
“It doesn’t matter what sort of time you aim to do it in, just do it at your own pace and you will receive encouragement all along the route.”
parkrun is for free, for everyone, forever and to find out more about the charity and where your nearest event to run, walk, jog or volunteer visit parkrun.com
