Brooks and parkrun extend existing relationship to increase access to running, walking and volunteering worldwide

Jan. 19, 2023 (Seattle, WA) - Brooks Running, a global leader in performance running gear, tools, and experiences, and parkrun, the largest weekly free community event, are joining forces to break down barriers to physical activity. Brooks and parkrun share a belief in the power of the run to improve lives, both mentally and physically, and encourage people of all backgrounds to participate. As part of this global partnership, Brooks will become parkrun’s exclusive global footwear partner and the presenting partner in the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands through 2028. Together, Brooks and parkrun aim to create an inclusive environment through weekly meetups that welcome walkers, joggers, runners, and volunteers to experience the many benefits of regular physical activity.

The expanded partnership follows a successful three-year collaboration between the two run-focused brands in the UK and Ireland. Going forward, Brooks will continue to play a key role in community meetups as part of the parkrun Happy Tour, which builds on parkrun’s weekly 5Ks for all levels of activity by creating space for runners to get advice, test different running shoes, and engage with Brooks and parkrun communities. In addition to the 40 planned parkrun stops in the UK and Ireland, Brooks will attend parkruns throughout the Netherlands and Germany, with activation plans for the U.S. building on partnership success in Europe. parkrun’s growing community and mission to create a healthier and happier planet aligns with Brooks’ conviction to champion the run for all, allowing both organizations to reach more individuals globally.

“Brooks believes in a world where everyone who wants to run feels welcome and has the place to do it,” said Jim Weber, CEO at Brooks Running. “parkrun’s global presence and shared beliefs make this partnership a meaningful step forward in our efforts to engage people everywhere so all can access and experience the power of the run in their own communities.”

“parkrun is for everyone. We believe that physical activity should be fun and that time outdoors, in the company of others, should be prioritised and celebrated,” said Russ Jefferys, CEO at parkrun. “Brooks’ inclusive community approach and Run Happy ethos fit perfectly with our brand values, and our collaboration will help deliver on our mission to create a healthier and happier planet. We have ambitious plans for further international expansion, and our partnership with Brooks will play a key role in our potential for growth.”

An average of 229,000 people in 20 countries around the world participate in parkruns each week, which in 2022 led to 1.3 million unique parkrun participants and 8 million people registered globally.

About Brooks Running

Brooks Running creates market-leading performance footwear, apparel, run bras, and accessories distributed to runners worldwide. Brooks’ purpose is to inspire everyone to run their path by creating the best gear, tools, and experiences. Founded in 1914, the company continues to deliver accelerated product innovation and engagement with runners, walkers, and everyone who puts one foot in front of the other. Brooks is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Visit www.brooksrunning.com for more information or follow @brooksrunning and https://www.parkrun.com/countries/ to find a parkrun near you.

About parkrun

parkrun started in 2004 with just 13 runners and 5 volunteers in London’s Bushy Park. Events now take place in more than 2,200 locations in more than 20 countries around the world. Hundreds of thousands of people from all ages, backgrounds and abilities take part every single weekend as walkers, joggers, runners, and volunteers.

For more information, please contact:

media@parkrun.com