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Parkrunners Podcast

Parkrunners Podcast

By: Catherine Stenson
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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.

© 2026 Parkrunners Podcast
Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Running & Jogging
Episodes
  • From Queenstown parkrun to the Poles: Chris Seymour’s Marathon Grand Slam Mission
    Mar 7 2026

    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 Chris Seymourco-founder of parkrun New Zealand and the founder of Queenstown parkrun (my personal favourite parkrun outside of Bushy Park!). Chris is also one of a tiny group** worldwide to complete the legendary Marathon Grand Slam — including running a marathon at the North Pole and in Antarctica.

    But this isn’t just a story about extraordinary start lines. It’s about how parkrun creates belonging, how community fuels resilience, and how running can become a powerful force for good — including Chris’s charitable mission Run Over MLD, inspired by his great-niece Cori.

    In this conversation, you’ll hear:

    • How parkrun captured Chris’s heart — and why he helped grow it in New Zealand
    • The story behind launching Queenstown parkrun and what makes it so special
    • What it’s really like to run at the North Pole and in Antarctica
    • The mindset behind big goals — and the quiet power of simply showing up
    • How Chris has used running to raise awareness and funds through Run Over MLD

    🎧 Listen now, and if this episode resonates, please follow/subscribe and share it with a parkrunner (or future parkrunner) who needs a lift today.

    ** 192 athletes worldwide who have conquered marathons on 7 continents + the North Pole Marathon®

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    Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

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    44 mins
  • From “never run before” to London Marathon, then 66/66 London parkruns: how Tom Sharples turned a dare into his weekly habit!
    Feb 27 2026

    In this episode of The Parkrunners Podcast, Catherine Stenson chats with Tom Sharples (@tom_tries_running), who went from never running to finishing the London Marathon after a work colleague dared him to enter the ballot — and he surprisingly got a place first time.

    After crossing that finish line, Tom wanted to keep the running habit going… and that’s when he discovered parkrun. Starting at Hampstead Heath , Tom found the routine, community and mental reset he’d been looking for — and what began as a simple Saturday habit “accidentally” turned into a huge challenge: completing all 66 parkrun events across London and Greater London.

    Together they talk about community, confidence, and why running can be such a powerful boost for mental fitness — especially for young men — as well as Tom’s mission to help more people simply try running, without pressure or perfection.

    In this episode we cover:

    • From non-runner to London Marathon finisher (first ballot attempt!)
    • How to maintain the running habit after a big goal - discover parkrun!
    • Discovering parkrun at Hampstead Heath — and why it stuck
    • The London/Greater London Challenge: completing all 66 venues
    • Simple tips for new runners (and why volunteering is a great way to start)

    Sound bites:

    • “If you run, you’re a runner.”
    • “Parkrun is for everyone.”

    Find Tom on Instagram: @tom_tries_running

    Send a text

    Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

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    31 mins
  • 'Señorita Commeletia': 500 runs on the horizon & the 'Alphabet Challenge' Queen
    Feb 20 2026

    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 in the UK (possibly the world), which has earned her the affectionate nickname: “Señorita Commeletia.”

    Commeletia is a phenomenal parkrun tourist — a true all-rounder who runs, walks, volunteers, and travels with purpose. She’s also a serious challenge-chaser: the 3rd person ever to complete all 11 Alphabet Challenges, collecting parkruns like postcards and proving that Saturday mornings can build a whole world of friendships, routines, and adventures.

    And there’s even more excitement bubbling… she’s just a few parkruns away from her 500 milestone shirt — a huge moment on the horizon.

    In this episode we talk about:

    • What drives her love of parkrun tourism (and how she plans trips around it)
    • The joy of mixing running, walking, and volunteering across different communities
    • The mindset behind big challenges — and how to keep it fun, not frantic
    • Why parkrun has a way of turning places into home, even when you’re far away

    If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I’ll try a new parkrun one day…” — this one might just tip you into planning your next adventure.

    Send a text

    Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

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    31 mins
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