For many people with accessibility needs, the hardest part of parkrun isn't the 5km, it's the confidence to show up.
While over two thirds (67%) of people with accessibility needs are likely to want to be more physically active, new research from Specsavers has shown that confidence remains the biggest obstacle.
Many also face barriers such as navigating unfamiliar environments, accessing clear event information, and uncertainty about what support may be available on the day. Now a new partnership between Specsavers and parkrun is determined to change that.
Today, the two organisations launch the StartLine Initiative, a new nationwide programme designed to remove some of the practical and emotional barriers that stop people with accessibility needs from taking part in parkrun.
The impact of this support is clear. Research shows that:
- 49% of people with accessibility needs want to attend parkrun more often but lack the confidence to go alone
- 74% say feeling welcomed and supported is just as important to their wellbeing as the physical exercise itself
- 54% would attend parkrun if current barriers such as inaccessible information, uncertainty around support, or concerns about navigating the event were removed.
Following a successful pilot at selected parkrun events, Specsavers and parkrun are beginning the rollout of 100 StartLine Packs to participating events across the UK. The packs will provide practical tools and resources to help event teams support people with accessibility needs and create even more welcoming experiences.
- Visibility aids – branded, high-visibility bibs displaying "Please give me space" and step-up boxes for volunteers
- Navigation support – large, laminated course maps highlighting the route, start point, parking, toilets and facilities
- Accessibility briefings – A3 whiteboards for welcoming first-timers and explaining event information in accessible ways
- Guide support – guide tethers to support participants who build or partially sighted when running with a guide
Alongside the rollout, a new StartLine Hub will provide participants, organisers and volunteers with accessible information ahead of event day, helping people understand what to expect, discover available support and feel more confident about attending their local parkrun.
To bring the initiative to life, Specsavers has partnered with Jodie Ounsley to launch a hero film featuring people whose experiences demonstrate the difference practical support can make. The film follows three individuals, each of whom are at varying stages of their parkrun journey.
Jodie Ounsley, the first deaf female England rugby player shared: “Getting to the start line can often feel like the hardest part. What I love about this initiative is that it's focused on making people feel welcome before they've even taken their first step. Everyone deserves to experience the physical and mental benefits that come from being part of the parkrun community, and the StartLine Initiative helps make that possible."
Fiona, who has a hearing impairment, shared: "I'd thought about going along to parkrun so many times, but the idea of turning up somewhere new on my own always stopped me. Knowing there's a pack that talks you through what to expect, and that extra support is available, makes it feel possible in a way it didn't before. I'm proud to be part of something that might help someone else take that first step too."
John Perkins, CEO of Specsavers, said: "Being able to take an active role in community life and feeling included can have a profound impact on health, wellbeing and confidence. So, we are proud to partner with parkrun to help make events more accessible to more people. parkrun brings people together every week, but we know that for some, barriers around sight, hearing, mobility or simply knowing what to expect can make getting to the start line the hardest. The StartLine Initiative is about using our expertise and our partnership with parkrun to help remove some of those barriers, so more people feel confident, welcome and able to experience everything that comes from being part of their local parkrun community."
Halima Khan, Health and Inclusion Lead at parkrun, added: “Over 300,000 people already take part in parkrun across the UK each week. We know, however, that there can still be barriers to taking part for people with hearing loss, visual impairments, mobility challenges, and those who may experience social isolation.
"Through the StartLine Initiative, we’re working with Specsavers to introduce practical support and resources that will help our event teams create even more welcoming, inclusive and accessible parkrun experiences.
"As the rollout progresses, more events across the UK will be able to benefit from these tools, helping more people feel supported, confident and able to take part in a way that works for them.”
To find out more about the StartLine Initiative, watch the hero film, and discover how you can get involved, visit http://www.youtube.com/@SpecsaversOfficial.
The rollout of StartLine Packs to participating parkrun events will begin later this year. For more information about the initiative and accessibility resources available through the StartLine Hub, visit www.parkrun.org.uk/accessibility-inclusion.
Share