Welcome to Eastbourne Parkrun, Pacer Day, where we go through the steps of Parkrun. If you want to know more about Parkrun or what happens on a Pacer Day at Parkrun, this is the video to watch. If you are a beginner and have heard of Parkrun, the whole concept can seem daunting and put you off getting involved. It did for me! Relax.

If you are learning how to start running, this video is a beginners guide to parkrun and takes you through a real parkrun from start to finish, including all the important steps, sights, sounds and feel of a parkrun. The added bonus… what it's like to run with pacers.

What do you need to get started with a Parkrun? Go to the Parkrun website: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/ to register. Print out your barcode, grab your running shoes and head to the start line. That’s it. The organisers will take care of the rest.

Worried about how slow you might go? Afraid you’ll have to walk part of it? No problem! You’ll never be last. There’s always a tail runner to escort you home. Worried about hanging around in the crowd, ready for the start? Again, no problem. Just stay at the back of the starting group and work your way through the runners as the crowd thins out over the next 5K.

Many parkruns have a monthly pacer day which ranges from sub 18 minutes to sub 35 minutes. Pacers provide a (near) consistent pace and encouragement throughout the 5k so all you have to do is stick with them, which can be easier said than done! They are running metronomes but friendly and encouraging. I am a lone runner with a goatee and wearing a purple shirt with /"25/" in gold letters on the back can make a huge difference to your social running confidence!

From couch to 5k, beginners, intermediates, advanced and pros, whatever your running ability, whatever your 5k training needs, Parkrun can cater for you.

Don’t forget to leave your comments below about your first parkrun experience or a pacer day. What advice do you have for others considering taking part in a parkrun? What other etiquette points should be followed at parkrun? Why not subscribe and join the Aspiring Runners community.

Thank you so much to everyone who volunteered for the interviews!

Video by Ray Whitby with Sony Xperia XZ1
Photo by Aspiring Runners
#runners #running #parkrun #runningtips #aspiringrunners

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