Let’s walk! Vitality and parkwalk join forces to help Brits build healthy habits

For more than a decade, Vitality has been helping people live longer, healthier lives as the headline partner for parkrun.

Now, we are taking that initiative one step further.

From today, Vitality and parkrun will relaunch the parkwalk initiative, which encourages people to walk at their local parkrun.

Vitality research found that people who walk 10,000 steps three times a week over a three-year period saw a 19% reduction in risk of stage 3 cancer.

Even doing 2,500 steps four times in one week can reduce our mortality risk by up to 15%.

Better still, those who up their step count to 5,000 steps three times a week can reduce their mortality risk by 22%.

One step at a time

To celebrate the launch, we want more people to feel the benefits of walking and build it into their everyday lives.

That’s why, every Saturday from 29th March to 26th April, we are encouraging you to bring your friends and family to a parkrun and walk it.

You might even be able to rub shoulders with a Vitality Ambassador, who will be taking part in a parkwalk in their local area too.

Stay tuned on vitality.co.uk/magazine to find out who is taking part.

And because Vitality is all about rewarding healthy habits, we are giving our members 12 points instead of eight when they parkwalk (or parkrun) and scan their barcode on 26th April.

Not registered for parkrun? You can get started here and follow the instructions to link your Vitality accounts.

Already have a parkrun account? Sign in to your parkrun profile and link your account with Vitality to start earning Activity points for your taking part parkrun or volunteering.

If you think you’d like to walk at parkrun, there are more than 840 5k parkrun events across the UK, which take place every Saturday morning.

You can find your nearest event here.

Commonly asked questions about parkwalk, answered

What is parkwalk?

parkwalk is taking part in a parkrun but walking the course. Walking is a great way to soak up the parkrun atmosphere and is something that is suitable for families and friends to do together. It’s also a great entry point into parkrun, if you are looking to start taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

Are you allowed to walk at parkrun?

Yes. Walking is actively encouraged at parkrun. You can move at any pace, on your own, with friends and family, or with other parkwalkers at the event. You can bring your dog or buggy and bring walking poles if you have them. Remember to check the event page to make sure it’s suitable for buggies or dogs.

Will I be walking alone?

Absolutely not. parkrun events are fun, friendly and sociable. We want to encourage lots of people to walk at parkrun and with the tail walker and parkwalker volunteer you will have the opportunity to walk in company, if you want to. There’s always the option to encourage friends, family or colleagues to join you for a walk too.

Will I be last if I walk?

No – at every parkrun there is a dedicated tail walker volunteer who is guaranteed to be the last to walk through the finish funnel.

Can you just show up to parkrun?

Yes. Anyone can come along to a parkrun and walk, run or volunteer. You can register before you take part via the parkrun website. Once registered, you’ll be given a barcode to scan once you’ve completed the 5k course. After the event, you’ll be able to find out how many people took part, what your time and position was and how many parkruns or volunteer instances you’ve done. It will also ensure you earn your Activity points with Vitality.

Is there a cut off time at parkrun?

There is no cut off time at parkrun. People can walk, jog or run at whatever pace suits them.

How long does it take to walk 5km?

It can totally depend. At a typical walking pace, it can take anywhere between 45 and 60 minutes to walk 5km, which is just over three miles.

Related: 5 ways to make your walk more mindful