What does it mean for a community when a five-time Olympic gold medallist like Laura Kenny joins a local parkrun? It signifies a celebration of fitness, community spirit, and the importance of belonging. On March 17, 2026, Dame Laura Kenny participated in the Alderley Park parkrun as part of the National Lottery Open Week, which ran from March 7 to 15.
During her visit, Kenny expressed her love for living in the area, stating, “I love living in the area and was delighted to come to parkrun today to celebrate National Lottery Open Week.” Her presence brought joy to the event, which is part of a larger initiative supported by National Lottery funding, raising an impressive £32 million each week for various community projects.
Parkrun, a free, weekly, timed 5k event held every Saturday morning in parks across the UK, is a platform that encourages people of all fitness levels to come together. Kenny highlighted this inclusivity, saying, “Parkrun brings everyone together. It doesn’t matter how fast you are or how fit you are, anyone can attend.”
As the president of Team England, Kenny’s involvement in such events underscores her commitment to promoting active lifestyles. Her enthusiasm was infectious, as noted by participant Tamara Morewood, who remarked, “Her passion for getting people active and enjoying the outdoors was incredibly infectious and it made today’s event feel really special.”
The atmosphere at Alderley Park was filled with smiles and excitement, with fellow participant Jane Morewood commenting on the positive energy, stating, “The reaction from everyone was just wonderful. You could see their smiles from a mile off.”
As Kenny continues her training for the London Marathon, her engagement in community events like parkrun serves as a reminder of the importance of physical activity and social connection. Events like these not only promote fitness but also foster a sense of belonging, as she emphasized during her visit.
Looking ahead, the impact of such community gatherings remains to be seen, but the joy and camaraderie experienced at Alderley Park are undeniable. As more people participate in initiatives supported by the National Lottery, the potential for community growth and engagement continues to expand.
