New campaign launches to encourage more people with accessibility needs to take their first steps into parkrun

Specsavers and parkrun launch campaign to encourage more people with accessibility needs* to take their first steps into parkrun

• More than a quarter (26%) of people in the East Midlands want to do parkrun events, as new pilot aims to boost inclusion among people with accessibility needs

• New research reveals that people in the East Midlands have been put off attending parkrun due to fear of arriving alone and social anxiety

• Almost nine in ten of those are not aware of the existing support that parkrun offers at events

• One in three would be more likely to attend parkrun if they went with other walkers/runners of similar ability

New research from Specsavers as part of its partnership with parkrun, found that while many in the East Midlands are drawn to the community feel and physical wellbeing that parkrun offers, people living with hearing loss, visual impairments, mobility challenges, or in social isolation, lack confidence to attend on their own.

parkrun is a free, weekly event where people can run, walk, jog or even wheel the 5k course, or volunteer at hundreds of locations around the UK. parkrun’s emphasis on community was echoed in the survey results, as more than one in six (17%) in the East Midlands said that the social element, for example, meeting new people, was a draw for them to attend parkrun.

Almost nine in ten (26%) who hadn’t participated in a parkrun reported that they were still keen to try, and one in six (15%) feel they are missing out on a social connection or community by not attending parkrun.

For respondents with hearing loss, visual impairments, mobility challenges and experiencing social isolation, the research revealed key reasons holding them back. A third (33%) agreed that they would like to attend more parkruns but lack the confidence to attend on their own. However, the research revealed a gap in awareness, as almost nine in ten (86%) of those in the East Midlands weren’t aware of the existing accessibility support at parkrun events.

One in eight (12%) said they have not participated in a parkrun event due to fear of arriving alone or having no one to take part with. One in three people (32%) would be more likely to attend parkrun events if they went with other similarly abled walkers/runners.

Using the research and learnings from people with lived experience of hearing loss, visual impairments, mobility challenges or social isolation, Specsavers is launching a new pilot initiative this summer as part of its partnership with parkrun. The pilot aims to address the barriers that prevent people from feeling like they belong at the weekly events, to help more people make it to the parkrun start line and encourage a sense of community. The initiative was built around insights from real world research; it will see practical solutions co-created and shaped around the people who need it most.

John Perkins, CEO of Specsavers says, ‘parkrun already plays such an important role in bringing people together and supporting both physical and mental wellbeing, but our research shows that for some people, barriers around confidence, accessibility and social anxiety can still make that first step feel difficult. Through our partnership with parkrun, we want to help create an environment where more people feel supported, included and able to make it to the start line in a way that works for them. This pilot is about listening, learning and helping more people experience the sense of community that makes parkrun so special.’

Halima Khan, health and inclusion lead at parkrun adds; ‘parkrun was created to bring people together in a positive, inclusive way to be active, social and outdoors. While more than 300,000 people take part in the UK each week, we want to ensure everyone who takes part will benefit. That’s why we are excited to work with Specsavers to make better health more accessible. The pilot will allow us to better understand the barriers underrepresented groups face and help us ensure parkrun is as welcoming and accessible as it can be, for everyone. This approach aligns beautifully with our recently announced Health & Inclusion Strategy, which reinforces our shared commitment to breaking down barriers and enabling even more people to experience the benefits of parkrun.’

Fiona, a participant with hearing loss from the initial focus groups, says, ‘It’s great to see that Specsavers and parkrun are recognising that people like me need extra support to feel included in everyday activity that some may not find easy. The idea of turning up in an environment where I am alone can be overwhelming and has kept me from attending previously. I’m looking forward to seeing how the pilot helps people like me find our stride at parkrun.’

Following the announcement of Specsavers and parkrun’s long-term partnership in March 2026, the organisations will continue working together to make better health more accessible and encourage greater participation in parkrun among people that may need additional support. The partnership marks a shared commitment of inclusion and valuing feedback from communities who want to experience the physical and social benefits of taking part in physical fitness.