From a handful of runners gathering in a blustery British park, to millions of runners gathering each week in countries around the world, Parkrun has picked up pace in dramatic fashion to become a global phenomenon. The concept is simple: timed Saturday five-kilometer (3.1 mile-) races take part at set locations around the globe and runners take part for free. So far, some 20 countries have picked up the Parkrun idea and run with it, attracting hordes of eager participants each week, come rain, shine, or thick snow!
Curious? Click through this gallery to find out just how Parkrun became such a runaway success.