Emma Ellis, content creation ambassador:
A lot goes on behind the scenes of each event. In this issue we talk to Emma Ellis, who has found her community at parkrun, through her role as a content creation ambassador.
How long have you been involved with parkrun?
My parkrun journey started in February 2022, after a friend at work talked me into going. I’d never heard of parkrun and hadn’t run in years. I remember arriving at Lee-On-The-Solent beach and seeing a sea of brightly coloured T-shirts.
I walked and ran my first parkrun, fuelled by encouragement from marshals and fellow parkrunners. Before I’d finished, I was already planning the next weekend. parkrun quickly became my favourite place, an opportunity to socialise and to challenge myself. I have always been an introvert and used to wonder if I would ever truly feel part of something. I wish I could tell myself two years ago what I know now. The beauty of parkrun is that whatever pace I’m looking to walk or run, I know I’ll find a friend somewhere.
What do Saturday mornings look like for you?
My Saturdays now start with a purpose. In recent months, I have really embraced visiting different parkruns. I love discovering new places and people – and, of course, visiting the local cafés for a coffee and a catch up after the parkrun!
Saturday mornings have become so enjoyable that recently I decided to extend it to Sundays as well, volunteering at junior parkrun. This provided a whole new level of wholesomeness. To see young people between the ages of four and fourteen having a great time while taking part is so gratifying.
What is your ambassador role and what does it involve?
I became a content creation ambassador for parkrun in September 2023. Within my role, I create digital content for parkrun’s social media. I get so much fulfilment out of creating videos and content, and it is always so exciting when someone tells me they were inspired to give parkrun a go after watching. It is an opportunity to mix creativity with the thing I am most passionate about and I feel so proud to be a part of such an important, inspiring movement.
What do you do when you’re not involved with parkrun?
In my day-to-day life, I enjoy the outdoors and I love spending time with friends and family. I work in an office – which is another reason why I am so passionate about parkrun! It keeps me active on the days when I am not sitting at my desk. In the summer of 2023, there was a time when the whole office would head down for a bit of friendly competition, to spectate or just blow off some steam – it was fantastic team building.
