Parkrunners Podcast
Parkrunners Podcast shares real stories from the global parkrun community—runners, walkers, and volunteers whose lives have been transformed by movement and connection. Hosted by Catherine Stenson, each episode celebrates courage, belonging, and the quiet power of showing up.
Episodes
32 episodes
From 28 Stone to parkrun: Chaarlee Eastmond's Journey to Belonging
Chaarlee Eastmond never thought running was for people like him.Growing up overweight and struggling with confidence, food, and identity, Chaarlee eventually reached a serious...
Christine & Layla Wilson on how parkrun became the rhythm of their family life
How parkrun became the rhythm of one family’s lifeIn this heartwarming episode of The Parkrunners Podcast, I’m joined by Christine Wilson and her 13-ye...
Priti Kaur: Recovery, Resilience & Running in the London Marathon at 75!
In this uplifting episode of The Parkrunners Podcast, I’m joined by the wonderful Priti Kaur — a 75-years-young p...
From Reluctant Runner to Global parkrun Tourist: Sue Freegard's 300+ Venue Journey
After a short pause (and a few behind-the-scenes technical podcasting hurdles!), I’m so excited to be back with a truly global parkrun story — and this one is worth the wait.This week, I’m joined by S...
From Queenstown parkrun to the Poles: Chris Seymour’s Marathon Grand Slam Mission
What starts as a simple Saturday-morning 5k can grow into a life of community-building, adventure… and purpose.In this episode of The Parkrunners Podcast, I’m joined by the remarkable
From “never run before” to London Marathon, then 66/66 London parkruns: how Tom Sharples turned a dare into his weekly habit!
In this episode of The Parkrunners Podcast, Catherine Stenson chats with Tom Sharples (@tom_tries_runni...
'Señorita Commeletia': 500 runs on the horizon & the 'Alphabet Challenge' Queen
This week on The Parkrunners Podcast, I’m joined by the one and only Commeletia — and yes, she genuinely believes she may be the only Commeletia ...
Valentine’s Day Special: James & Lynne Love at parkrun (Cusworth Hall) 💛🏃♀️🏃♂️💍
What if your Saturday morning 5k didn’t just change your fitness… but changed your whole life?In this Valentine’s Day Special Edition of The Parkrunners Podcast
Mike Seaman: From parkrun to 200-milers: building community & making live events more sustainable
This week I’m joined by Mike Seaman — founder and CEO of Raccoon Media Group and the driving force behind the award-winning National Running Show....
Marcia Dubbelaar - A “Double Dutch” legend & global parkrun adventurer
What starts as a holiday curiosity can turn into a global Saturday-morning habit.This week I’m joined by Marcia Dubbelaar — my first Dutch guest — who discovered pa...
From Parkrun to Team GB: Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi Prescribes Movement as Medicine
What if your healthiest future didn’t start with a grand plan — but with one small Saturday habit?In this episode of The Parkrunners Podcast, host Catherine Stenson is joined by
Dame Kelly Holmes — From double Olympic gold champion to passionate parkrunner
New Year’s Day Special 🎧 This week on The Parkrunners Podcast, I’m joined by my extra special guest Dame Kelly Holmes — double Olympic gold medallist, pass...
Woden Pride: How Andrew & Lili are building an urban parkrun powerhouse
Eight weeks in. An ultra-urban setting in the heart of Canberra, Australia. And in week 2, a staggering 731 people showed up for Woden Town parkrun!In this episode of The Parkrunners Podcast, Catherine chats wi...
Inside Junior parkrun, Prison parkrun and Beyond — with Emily Fleuriot
This week, Catherine is joined by storyteller, creative director and much-loved parkrun volunteer Emily Fleuriot — a woman who brings imagination, compassion and commun...
Hi-Viz Heroes, Grassroots Greatness & World Records - A Solo Catch-Up with Catherine Stenson
This week’s episode is a little different – it’s just you and me, your host Catherine Stenson. When a planned guest recording needed to be rescheduled because of a family ...
Brooklyn Bridge parkrun: How Ben Roach brought parkrun to NYC
In this episode I’m joined by Ben Roach, Brit abroad, sports & media lawyer, and founder/Event Director of Brooklyn Bridge parkrun – the very first parkrun in New York City ...
Parliament, Parkrun & Public Health: A Conversation with Nick Smith, Labour MP
In this episode of The Parkrunners Podcast, Catherine is joined by Labour MP Nick Smith, Member of Parliament for Blaenau Gwent in South Wales and Chair of the All-Party P...
Tasha Thompson: Making Space, Sparking Change
This week on The Parkrunners Podcast host, Catherine Stenson, is joined by Tasha Thompson – NHS professional, marathoner, community builder and founder of...
From Pushchair to PBs: A Dad & Son’s Parkrun Bond - Alex & Isaac Mann
This week on the Parkrunners Podcast, we meet Alex Mann—a passionate parkrunner and proud Dad—and his energetic 4-year-old son Isaac, who’s already chasing PBs (personal bests) at Junior pa...
Celia Dawson OBE: The Headteacher Powering Parkrun Primary
Celia Dawson OBE is Headteacher at Cricket Green School—the SEN school that helped pilot parkrun primary, the new...
Jan Lenton: 70 & Still Flying - From the First London Marathon to 50 Parkrun firsts!
This week on the Parkrunners Podcast, we meet Jan Lenton a true legend of the running world — she's a 70-year-old powerhouse who ran the very first London Marathon in 1...
From Olympic Gold to Giving Back: Shona McCallin’s Next Chapter with parkrun
Olympic Gold Medallist Shona McCallin MBE joins host, Catherine Stenson, to talk about life after professional sport — from her incredible journey with Team GB Hockey to her new chapter...
Passports, Parkrun, Purpose: Darren Pead’s Global Alphabet Adventure
This week on the Parkrunners Podcast, we meet Darren Pead — Sydney-based entrepreneur, aviation enthusiast, and parkrun Australia’s social media and event ambassador. Darren isn’t just a parkrunner — he’s a serial alphabeteer, h...
Greg Nance’s 'Run Far Story' - From Rock Bottom to River Miles!
What does it take to run the entire length of the Mississippi River — all 2,340 miles of it from source to sea? This week, I’m joined by Greg Nance, an American politician, ultrarunner, entrepre...
Olwyn Dunne: , Running Powerhouse, Building Community, Beating the Odds
This week on the Parkrunners Podcast, we meet Olwyn Dunne, mum of 3 boys — is a Dublin-based powerhouse with a seriously impressive parkrun journey. With over 220 parkruns, 267 volunteer stints, and 65 marathons under her belt, Ol...