A study by Specsavers has revealed that around 50 percent of people with accessibility needs are holding back from attending parkruns on their own due to low confidence. The research, based on a survey of 2,000 people, also found that nearly a third of those with visual impairments, hearing loss, mobility issues or social isolation want to try parkrun events but face barriers.
Key Findings from the Specsavers Study
The study shows that four in five people with accessibility needs are unaware of existing accessibility support at parkrun events. One in three (33%) who had not participated in a parkrun reported they were still keen to try, and one in five (21%) feel they are missing out on social connections or community by not doing so. A shocking 49% agreed they would like to attend more parkruns but lack the confidence to attend on their own.
More than one in ten (13%) said they have not participated due to fear of arriving alone or having no one to take part with. Nearly one in three people (32%) would be more likely to attend if they went with other similarly abled walkers or runners.
Specsavers and parkrun Partnership
Specsavers is launching a new pilot initiative this summer to address the barriers that prevent people from feeling like they belong at the weekly events. The initiative aims to see practical solutions co-created and shaped around the people who need it most. There are more than 1,400 weekly parkrun events across the UK where participants can run, walk or wheel five kilometres for free.
CEO of Specsavers, John Perkins, said: "Parkrun already plays such an important role in bringing people together and supporting both physical and mental wellbeing. However 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."
Commitment to Inclusion
Health and inclusion lead at parkrun, Halima Khan, said: "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 is 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 and inclusion strategy, which reinforces our shared commitment to breaking down barriers and enabling even more people to experience the benefits of parkrun."
Participant Perspective
Fiona, a participant with hearing loss from the initial focus groups, said: "It is great to see Specsavers and parkrun are recognising people like me need extra support to feel included in everyday activity that some might 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."
Specsavers and parkrun announced their partnership in March this year and are pledging to continue working together to make better health more accessible for people in need of additional support. The partnership marks a shared commitment to inclusion and valuing feedback from communities who want to experience the physical and social benefits of taking part in physical fitness.
