Birmingham parkrunner achieves incredible feat

Sarah Merelie, a 29-year-old parkrunner from Birmingham, set herself (and achieved!) a challenge to complete a parkrun every week in 2024, she said: “In 2023, I had been trying to find some motivation to get myself back into running, so I set myself a challenge to complete a parkrun every Saturday in 2024.

“I had only been to four parkruns before, my first being when I was on a weekend away with friends and a regular parkrunner encouraged some of us to join him.

“I loved having a reason to get out on Saturday morning, as well as knowing that everyone is just there to have a great time whether it’s a personal best or a lovely Saturday morning walk.”

Merelie is one of the 10 million strong parkrun community, of which nearly 400,000 people will take part in a parkrun each weekend around the world.

parkrun is a charity that relies on the kindness of those who can and are able to donate, and the generosity of their partners and funders, parkrun will always be free to participate in, but it isn’t free to put on.

Looking back on her achievement, she explained: “I made some amazing memories throughout the year that I’ll cherish for a very long time.

“Some highlights include the shared laughter with strangers when running through the winds and giant puddles that Storm Darragh brought, to convincing my friend that getting up early on a Saturday morning in the cold and rain really was the best way to start off our holiday in Germany - he later agreed!

“I had a great group of friends, family and boyfriend supporting me on my challenge with some tricky logistics along the way.

parkrun’s mission is to transform health and happiness by empowering people to come together, to be active and to be social outdoors in their community.

Merelie spoke to the strength of the parkrun community, she added: “I’ve also made lots of new friends at parkrun and I’ve managed to help get some close friends back into running and enjoyed some lovely coffees with them post-run throughout the year too.

“I’m now well and truly back into my running and enjoying all of the health and wellbeing benefits that come with it.

“I’ve even started training for my first marathon this spring - I’m definitely going to be tying in plenty of parkruns to my training plan!”

She has got 2025 off to a flyer by volunteering as a tail walker, a role which ensures no one at a parkrun can finish last, and Merelie is looking forward to supporting the community that gave her so much in 2024.

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 please visit parkrun.com