Twenty years ago, London’s bushy park was the site of the first parkrun. It remains a popular event, with a host of regular walkers, joggers, runners and volunteers, plus those who simply come along to watch and soak up the feel-good atmosphere. We spoke to the royal parks, the charity that manages the park, to learn more about what makes bushy so special.
Almost everything has a spiritual home. A site of legendary achievements, a magnificent stadium, or perhaps simply a special place where it all began. For parkrun, there is only one contender: Bushy Park. The Original. It was in this beautiful corner of suburban South West London that the first “Bushy Park Time Trial” took place in 2004, proving a concept that has since been replicated in more than 2,000 locations around the world.
Bushy Park definitely holds a special place in the collective consciousness of the parkrun community. In speaking to The Royal Parks, the charity that manages Bushy Park (and seven other parks in Greater London), it is clear the appreciation runs both ways. Emily McGhie, their senior communications officer, told us, “The Royal Parks charity is proud that Bushy Park, the birthplace of parkrun, has welcomed runners for the past 20 years to this vibrant community event.”
The area that became Bushy Park was formalised by Henry VIII when he created three deer-hunting grounds close to his residence at Hampton Court Palace. That link to recreation and leisure still exists – as do the deer – but nowadays the park is not just a space for the ruling classes. Making open space available for the public to enjoy is what The Royal Parks exists to do and they consider parkrun a part of that: “The Royal Parks provides free green spaces where everyone can enjoy the natural landscape and boost their physical health and wellbeing. parkrun’s mission aligns closely with our own charitable goal of promoting sporting and physical activities in the parks, enhancing health and wellbeing while ensuring accessibility for all.”
The Royal Parks also look after the wellbeing of the plants and creatures that call Bushy Park home. Everything from tiny endangered insects to ancient trees and the kestrels that soar above it all. There are even 200-year-old anthills! As Emily explains, “Bushy Park is a 1,000-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest. Our team works year-round to protect and preserve this previous environment, supporting the rich, biodiverse wildlife within.”
Welcoming hundreds of runners each week needs careful management. Everyone at parkrun respects the park, ensuring that plants don’t get trampled and animals in the park are not disturbed. The Royal Parks team said, “We thank everyone involved in the parkrun for their support in keeping the park litter-free to ensure it remains a pleasant space for all. We also encourage all visitors to tread carefully in this protected landscape and stick to paths where possible, so as not to disturb the fragile ecosystem.”
What is certain is that Bushy Park has been an important part of parkrun’s history these past twenty years and, with the support of The Royal Parks, will be an important part of its future. As Emily and the team said, “Here’s to celebrating this milestone and fostering a healthy, vibrant community together.”
