If you’ve started doing parkrun, you might be curious about how your 5k time compares to everyone else’s. How fast do people usually run, and what’s considered a typical parkrun finish time?
In this guide, we’ll break down average parkrun times, look at the fastest and slowest UK courses, and give you a clear picture of what to expect as a beginner.
What is parkrun?
Parkrun is a free weekly 5km (3.1 mile) run that happens in parks and outdoor locations all over the world. It’s open to everyone, and there’s no pressure, no cut-off time, and absolutely no-one finishes last. You can run, jog, or walk at your own pace.
There are over 2,600 parkruns worldwide, with more than 400,000 participants every week. In the UK alone, there are over 1,200 locations. On Sundays, there’s also a junior parkrun for kids aged 4-14, often with families joining in.
Average parkrun time
Because each parkrun is different – some flat, some hilly, some on concrete, some through forests or even along the beach – average times vary. But across the globe, the average parkrun time sits at around 32 minutes.
- Global average time: 32 minutes
- UK average: 29:30
- Ireland: 30:28
- Australia: 33:25
- New Zealand: 32:23
- Germany: 30:50
- Denmark: 27:00
- Italy: 31:11
- Poland: 29:13
- Netherlands: 29:54
- South Africa: 42:08
- Japan: 31:46
- Canada: 32:56
- USA: 34:16
Fastest and Slowest UK parkruns
Some UK parkruns are known for being super fast, while others are more challenging with hills or tricky terrain. Here are the top 10 fastest UK parkruns, ranked from quickest to slowest based on course difficulty (0-12 scale, lower is easier):
Fastest UK parkruns:
- Pegwell Bay – 0.8
- Walsall Arboretum – 1.0
- Battersea – 1.2
- Isabel Trail (Main) – 1.2
- Bromley (Winter) – 1.2
- Belfast Victoria – 1.2
- Widnes – 1.2
- Elder Park – 1.2
- Aberbeeg – 1.2
- Marine Parade (Main) – 1.2
Slowest UK parkruns:
- Mount Edgcumbe – 7.6
- Woolacombe Dunes – 9.0
- Durlston Country Park – 9.4
- Whinlatter Forest – 10.0
- Great Yarmouth North Beach – 11.6
Parkrun Records
If you like stats, here are the current parkrun records:
- Men’s record: 13:44 by Nick Griggs at Belfast Victoria parkrun (Nov 2024)
- Women’s record: 15:13 by Ciara Mageean at Belfast Victoria parkrun (Dec 2023)
Fun fact: The original world-best parkrun time was 13:48 by Andy Baddeley at Bushy Park, where the very first parkrun took place.
Can Anyone Join parkrun?
Yes! You just:
- Register once online – here
- Get your unique parkrun barcode
- Turn up at any parkrun worldwide
- Run or walk 5k at your own pace
- Scan your barcode at the finish
There are also tail walkers in orange hi-vis jackets who make sure no one finishes last.
Can You “Win” parkrun?
Parkrun isn’t a race. You can run fast if you want, but there are no prizes for finishing first. The emphasis is on community, fitness, and having fun.
Other Things You Might Like to Know
- Volunteering: All parkruns are organised by volunteers. You can help out, meet other runners, and be part of the event without running.
- Parkrun tourism: Some runners try different locations regularly, or even attempt a parkrun starting with every letter of the alphabet.
- Age grading: Your time can be compared against age and gender world records to give you a percentage score.
