Enjoy the second part of James Ball's interview with Darren Wood after he became the first person in the world to complete 1,000 parkruns on Saturday May 30. (Read Part 1 here). Darren talks about his motivation, his passion for volunteering and love for his parkrun family, his standout moments, the future and most importantly, his parkrun breakfast!
“I love seeing my parkrun family each week.”
James: Tell us does being number one in the world ever drive you? Do you think about staying there?
Darren: Not really. I just take each week as it comes. It’s a habit now: week in, week out. There was pressure to get to 1,000, of course, but I’ve no intention of stopping now. I want to keep going for as long as I’m able to run. There may come a day when I can’t, and I don’t want to take being able to run for granted. What keeps bringing me back is my parkrun family. I love seeing them every week. Whether I’m running or volunteering, I want to be there. That’s what matters to me more than any record.
James: I know you’ve always been passionate about our high-vis heroes. You’ve also volunteered more than 415 times. Tell us about that side of your journey.
Darren: My volunteering started back at Bushy in the early days when I would take equipment home and store it. Later, I helped set up Edenbrook Country parkrun in Fleet, Hampshire, where I became co-Event Director with Stephanie Greenwood. That was an incredibly emotional experience. We had been through a lot to get the event launched, including delays through Covid, and then to see everyone gathered on that first start line was just a “wow” moment.
I’ve also volunteered extensively at Frimley Lodge, from setup to Run Director and co-Event Director. I don’t think there’s a role I haven’t done. I love every part of it. Volunteering gives you an even deeper sense of community — talking to people, encouraging them, seeing them finish. I’d urge anyone to try it. Even once. I genuinely don’t think they’d regret it.
James: Another evolution at parkrun has to be the official app and all sorts of challenges built around participation. Have you enjoyed that side of things?
Darren: I have. I really like the app and it gives people a new way to engage with parkrun, especially in those long stretches between the big milestones. The challenges give you something extra to aim for. I’ve completed the alphabet challenge, and I’ve looked at things like the Wilson Index as well. It’s fun, and it gives you another reason to explore different events. I also enjoy doing that with my partner — looking at what letters or challenges we still need, then deciding where to go. It adds a sense of adventure to the weekend.
James: One thing that stood out to me when looking at your stats was your consistency. Even after all these years, you’ve been remarkably steady. But did you know that in 1,000 parkruns you’ve never finished in a position ending in 76 or 94? With you finishing 308th and me 309th [link] today that was never in danger of changing, but wouldn’t it have been ironic if it had? But isn’t it unbelievable that 76 or 94 positions have never featured for you?
Darren: Yes, it would have been ironic and that is bizarre, but I suppose it shows that I’m consistently finishing in the same positions. I’ve had more than my share of injuries — foot surgery twice, hip surgery, knee surgery — but I’ve always tried to show up and do what I can. If I need to walk, I’ll walk. If I need to volunteer, I’ll volunteer. It’s not really about times for me any more. It may have been in the early days, but now it’s about turning up, being part of it, and enjoying it.
“A hilarious moment happened today when I crossed the finish line!”
James: Looking back, are there any moments that stand out for you?
Darren: A hilarious moment happened today actually when I crossed the finish line. I looked down at my watch & realised I hadn’t started it!!”
James: So does this mean as it’s not on Strava it never actually happened? Perhaps it was subconscious showing what started off as a time trial 1,000 runs ago is now all about the run not the time?
Darren: Very true! But can you believe that I was given the honour to set the 456 runners/walkers off at Morden Parkrun, and with all the excitement, I totally forgot to start my watch! But there are so many other moments too. One of the hardest was doing my first parkrun after foot surgery on crutches. I remember reaching the end of the first lap and wondering how on earth I was going to continue. My arms were in agony. But friends came to encourage me, and when I reached the finish there was such an incredible round of applause. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but also one of the most memorable.
Another powerful memory was visiting Feltham Prison and Young Offender Institution parkrun. Seeing prison officers greet young men with warmth and encouragement was deeply moving. We sometimes take simple kindness for granted, but for some people that acceptance means everything. It made me think again about what parkrun can do for people in very different circumstances.
I also remember walking at Frimley Lodge while recovering from surgery and meeting a man who had come along with his family. He was in ordinary shoes and corduroy trousers and said he’d never be able to run a parkrun. The next week, I encouraged him to try 30 seconds of running with me. Then another 30 seconds the week after. Gradually, that built and built. Eventually he became a runner, then part of the core team. He lost a lot of weight, and his life changed. That’s the kind of story that stays with you.
James: I have to ask has there ever been a Saturday when you almost stayed in bed with a hangover or it was terrible weather conditions?
Darren: Of course. There have absolutely been days when I’ve thought, “Why am I doing this?” I’ve turned up feeling rough, I’ve questioned my life choices, and there have been times during my mental health struggles when getting out of bed felt incredibly hard. But I’ve never come away regretting going. You always regret the things you don’t do more than the things you do. Even when I’ve gone reluctantly, I’ve come away in a better frame of mind.
James: And away from parkrun — what else keeps you busy?
Darren: A lot of it still revolves around running. I work in the gym, I’m part of a running club, and I’m Race Director for the Sutton 10K, which I’ve been doing for the last three years. Beyond that, it’s family life. I enjoy swimming too, and one day I’d love to do a longer-distance triathlon if my body allows. But for now, it’s mostly about staying fit, staying healthy and keeping myself in a good place mentally.
James: So, the biggest question of all, What does Darren’s parkrun breakfast look like?
“Coffee is the most important thing after a parkrun!”
Darren: If I’m honest, I love a good fried breakfast if I can find a nice greasy spoon but coffee is the most important thing after a parkrun and it’s got to be decent coffee. It’s all about the coffee.
James: I agree about the coffee. And it’s funny you should say that because I own a rare parkrun coffee mug. So what comes next — for parkrun milestones, and for you?
Darren: That’s a good question. Logically, maybe the next milestone should be 2,000, but who knows? In the past, there might have been more concern about the cost of milestone T-shirts, but now people pay for their own, perhaps more is possible. I think parkrun can decide what makes sense. For me, though, it’s less about the milestone and more about continuing to turn up and enjoy it. If the next milestone is 1,500 or 2,000, great — but I’ll keep going for as long as I can.
James: What would you like to say to everyone who has followed your journey to 1,000?
Darren: Just thank you. I really appreciate the support, and I’ve met so many wonderful people along the way. I’d also encourage people to do what they can to help keep parkrun free forever — whether that’s volunteering, supporting or donating if they’re able. Parkrun gives so much to so many people. It’s important that we protect that.
I don’t do this for attention. I’ve simply been fortunate to be there from the early days and to keep going. But if sharing my story encourages people to get more active, to support their mental or physical health, or simply to go along and feel part of something welcoming, then that means a lot to me. Whether you run, jog, walk or volunteer, parkrun is there for you. Everyone is welcome.
James: If you had to sum up your parkrun journey in three words, what would they be?
Darren: Fun, community and love.
James: Darren, congratulations again on becoming the first person in the world to complete 1,000 parkruns. It’s an extraordinary achievement — but what’s just as powerful is the way you talk about parkrun not as an individual accomplishment, but as a movement built on community, kindness and belonging. Thank you for sharing your story.
Read Part 1 of this interview here where Darren reflects on his personal journey, community and inclusivity, volunteering and the evolution of parkrun over more than two decades.
To celebrate Darren’s 1,000th parkrun, we are offering 15% off at Sporting Feet.
Use the Code PR1000 at the checkout. www.sporting-feet.com
“I have always had a very positive experience when shopping at Sporting Feet in-store. The team are very knowledgeable and have a fantastic stock of trainers. It can be a little intimidating trying to find new trainers, but not at Sporting Feet, who make you feel at ease & give great advice. To the find the perfect trainers right for you.” Darren Wood
Darren was wearing Brooks Glycerin Max 2.
Please note, Sporting Feet is not an official partner of parkrun. And we thank Darren again for talking with James, a passionate parkrunner & member of our team.