Season 5 - Running together: Parkrun & the transformative power of grassroots community fitness


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Apr 09 2025 40 mins  
Welcome back to a brand new season of Public Health Disrupted! As Rochelle makes her return to the podcast following maternity leave, we’re excited to present the very first episode of Season 5: a fascinating examination and celebration of the power of movement to foster connection and belonging.

This episode will be of particular interest to runners and fans of group or community exercising, or simply those interested in the intersection of public health and community engagement. Xand Van Tulleken and Professor Rochelle Burgess delve into the transformative world of community fitness events, particularly the groundbreaking success of Parkrun. They explore how grassroots initiatives are reshaping not only individual lives but entire communities by breaking down barriers to exercise and fostering social connections. Joining them are Dr. Flaminia Ronca, leading expert in exercise neuroscience, and Chrissie Wellington OBE, a four-time world Ironman champion and former global head of health and wellbeing for Parkrun.

In this episode: - the profound impact of community fitness on mental and emotional wellbeing - the science behind exercise and brain health - inspiring stories of how Parkrun has created inclusive spaces for all. Public Health Disrupted, hosted by Dr Rochelle Burgess and Xand Van Tulleken is edited by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/health-of-public/news-and-events/public-health-disrupted/season-5-ep-1-running-together-notes-and-transcript

Date of episode recording: 2025-03-03T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:40:26
Language of episode: English
TAGS: #PublicHealthDisrupted #UCLHealthPublic
Presenter:Xand van Tulleken; Rochelle Burgess
Guests: Chrissie Wellington OBE; Flaminia Ronca
Producer: Anabelle Buckland