REXBURG— Riverside Park in Rexburg has become the vibrant setting for a weekly event that promotes health, community and a love for running – Riverside Park Parkrun.
Joe Jones, who co-founded the event, grew up in Rexburg, says the idea of the event emerged during discussions with fellow pre-med students about the need for volunteer opportunities in the community. Jones saw Parkrun events in Australia where he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He reached out to Parkrun to bring the event to Rexburg.
"We saw the same people week after week and made some friends there," Jones said.
The journey to establish Riverside Park Parkrun involved six months of collaboration with Parkrun and the city of Rexburg to ensure a safe course. Since its start in June 2022, the event has been held almost every Saturday, attracting both locals and foreign visitors.
Jones says the event is designed to welcome participants of all ages and fitness levels.
"Parkrun is a run, it's not a race. It's a walk or a run, not a race," Jones said.
The event's success is evident, even in extreme weather conditions, with participants braving freezing temperatures to be a part of this health-focused and community-driven initiative.
Parkrun started in 2004 in London with 13 runners. Now it’s a worldwide phenomenon. Jones is optimistic about the potential for further growth in the United States and encourages more communities to embrace the Parkrun spirit.