What if your Saturday morning 5k didn’t just change your fitness… but changed your whole life?

In this Valentine’s Day Special Edition of The Parkrunners Podcast, I’m joined by James & Lynne Donaldson — whose relationship has been beautifully shaped by Cusworth Hall parkrun. From dating, to getting engaged, to an unforgettable moment that still makes me smile… they even spent their wedding day morning at parkrun.

This episode is pure parkrun magic: warm, joyful, and full of those little community moments that turn into life’s biggest milestones. We chat about the role parkrun played in bringing them together, the support and smiles of the Cusworth Hall community, and why parkrun becomes so much more than “just a run” — it becomes a place you belong.

Whether you’re running, walking, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, this one’s for anyone who’s ever felt the power of parkrun connection — and the love that grows from showing up, week after week.

🎧 Press play for a feel-good story of love at parkrun… and love for parkrun.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Lynne & James’ parkrun journey began at Cusworth Hall
• The moment their relationship turned into “something more”
• A parkrun engagement (yes!) and what made it so special
• Why they chose to start their wedding day at parkrun
• The community spirit that makes parkrun a catalyst for connection

💬 Tell me your story: Have you found love at parkrun — or a deeper love for life because of parkrun

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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 I’m joined by Mike Seaman — founder and CEO of Raccoon Media Group and the driving force behind the award-winning National Running Show. Mike’s story is a fascinating mix of community, ambition, and doing hard things: from building a major portfolio of live events for passion-led communities, to taking on some of the toughest endurance challenges out there — including 100-mile and 200-mile ultra races and fundraising as he goes for Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Though Mike is in his early stages of clocking up parkruns, he shares why parkrun still matters, what the community gets so right, and how those same principles show up in endurance sport and in business. We also go behind the scenes of the running boom, what Mike’s seeing across the sport right now, and why sustainability in live events is becoming a non-negotiable.

A warm, grounded conversation that’s as relevant if you’re a weekly parkrunner or parkwalker as it is if you’re ultra-curious about what it takes to go further than you ever thought possible.

In this episode we cover:

• Mike’s parkrun connection — and what's bringing him back
• Why people choose big challenges (and what gets you through the darkest moments)
• Lessons ultras teach that apply to everyday running and life
• What’s changing in the running world — trends, community, and participation
• Building the National Running Show and scaling a community-led events business
• Sustainability in the exhibition industry and how live events can do better

Call to action:
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow The Parkrunners Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and share it with a friend or your running group — it helps more people discover the parkrun joy.

If you want, paste me your episode link once Buzzsprout generates it and I’ll also write 3–5 platform-ready promo captions for Instagram/Facebook/LinkedIn to match the weekend timing with the Running Show.

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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!

What starts as a holiday curiosity can turn into a global Saturday-morning habit.

This week I’m joined by Marcia Dubbelaar — my first Dutch guest — who discovered parkrun while travelling in South Africa and went on to become a passionate parkrun tourist and volunteer. Marcia has now completed all 27 Dutch parkruns twice (the “Double Dutch” challenge), and she’s collected stories, friendships and unforgettable finishes in 22 countries.

In this episode, we chat about:

• How parkrun tourism really works (planning, turning up solo, and feeling instantly welcome)
• What makes The Netherlands parkrun scene so special — and Marcia’s favourite moments at her local Schoterbos parkrun
• Why volunteering is the secret ingredient to belonging (and how tourists can give back)
• The joy of collecting venues — and the lessons you take home from every start line

Whether you’re a seasoned parkrunner, a curious parkwalker/volunteer, or someone who’s never tried it… this conversation might just make you want to set an alarm for Saturday morning.

🎧 Listen now, and if you enjoyed it, please follow/subscribe and share this episode with a friend who needs a little weekend motivation

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!