This week, Catherine is joined by storyteller, creative director and much-loved parkrun volunteer Emily Fleuriot — a woman who brings imagination, compassion and community spirit into everything she does.

Emily’s parkrun journey spans run reporting, co-event directing at Figges Marsh junior parkrun, supporting parkrun inside UK prisons, and being an active member of Tooting Run Club. In this beautifully thoughtful episode, Emily reflects on the power of showing up — for ourselves and for each other.

Together we explore:
✨ The joyful chaos and deep meaning behind junior parkrun
🔒 What parkrun looks like inside the prison estate — and why representation matters
📖 How storytelling can build belonging, reshape narratives and change lives
🏃‍♀️ The magic of grassroots running communities
💛 Why volunteering continues to be the heartbeat of parkrun

Emily’s perspective is warm, grounded and deeply human. Whether you’re a seasoned parkrunner, a parkwalker, a volunteer, or someone curious about the power of community, this conversation will leave you inspired to connect more — and perhaps to judge less.

🎧 Tune in and meet Emily — a true champion of people, creativity and the parkrun spirit.

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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!

This week’s episode is a little different – it’s just you and me, your host Catherine Stenson

When a planned guest recording needed to be rescheduled because of a family emergency, I decided not to skip a week but to celebrate the incredible parkrun stories we’ve shared so far – and give you a sneak peek at who, and what’s, coming next on The Parkrunners Podcast.

In this feel-good solo episode I reflect on:
• The Instagram message that led to a conversation with US ultra runner and politician Greg Nance – mid–Guinness World Record attempt along the Mississippi River
• The hi-viz legends of Bushy parkrun, including a volunteer who turned up on his wedding day and others with hundreds of runs and volunteer stints
• Community-builders like Black Girls Do Run and Asian women’s running groups whose journeys began with parkrun
• The joyful mix of guests so far – from 4-year-old junior parkrunner Isaac to septuagenarian marathoners and former “Nasty Nick” actor John Altman

I also share a teaser of upcoming guests, including double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, TV doctor and GP Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, the founders of Woden Town parkrun in Canberra, and grassroots prison parkrun volunteer Emily Fleuriot.

If you love stories of community, hope and the quiet magic of 5k in a park, this one’s for you. 🎧

💬 Got a parkrun story you’d like to share on a future episode? I’d love to hear from you – get in touch via the Parkrunners Podcast Instagram or connect with me on LinkedIn or email me on parkrunnerspodcast@gmail.com

See you on the start line.

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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!

In this episode I’m joined by Ben Roach, Brit abroad, sports & media lawyer, and founder/Event Director of Brooklyn Bridge parkrun – the very first parkrun in New York City and New York State. Ben and his American-born wife Beth moved from London to NYC with a shared mission: bring parkrun to their new home.

Ben shares a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how that dream became a weekly 5k under one of the world’s most iconic bridges – from navigating city bureaucracy and securing a route in Brooklyn Bridge Park, to recruiting volunteers, winning over sceptics and managing the growing crowds of locals and parkrun tourists drawn to this bucket-list event in the 'Big Apple'

We also talk about the buzz created by a recent Time Out New York feature, and what it’s like to watch the start line fill with visitors from all over the world who have planned their trip around this parkrun.

If you’ve ever wondered how a parkrun starts, dream of setting one up in your own community, or just love a good parkrun story, this episode will leave you inspired for your next Saturday morning.

Send us 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!