Paul Sinton-Hewitt

Paul Sinton-Hewitt struggled with his own mental health for years, before turning to what he describes as his “weekly medicine” of physical exercise. In 2004, while recovering from injury and dealing with his own personal challenges, he started the first parkrun event with just 13 participants. parkrun is now a global movement where millions of people across 22 countries and five continents take part in free, weekly, timed 5-kilometre running events that take place every Saturday morning in parks around the world.

Paul’s belief that sport should not be about competition but about being part of a community has resonated with people as parkrun has since grown into a worldwide phenomenon, promoting community, health, and fitness.

Paul continues to inspire through his commitment to making physical activity accessible to all and was recognised for his contributions to grassroots sport, receiving a CBE in 2014.

Paul said: “I am deeply honoured to be named as a Game Changer. Although parkrun started as a small idea, it has turned into a global community thanks to the countless parkrunners who show up each week. As parkrun continues to grow, more people are experiencing the magic that comes from being part of a community, being outdoors, and being active.”