Community Can’t Be Manufactured | Russ Jefferys, Former parkrun CEO

Matt speaks to Russ Jefferys - previously Chief Executive Officer of parkrun - to explore how parkrun transformed sports participation in the UK and what it teaches us about community, health and the future of sport.Together, they discuss how parkrun grew from a simple idea into a nationwide movement that reshaped how people engage with running, community sport and mass participation events. The conversation highlights the shift away from purely competitive sport towards inclusive, community-driven experiences where showing up matters more than finishing time.Matt and Russ explore the powerful role of community, the rise of informal sports groups and how initiatives like social prescribing are integrating physical activity into healthcare. They also examine how government policy, data and investment in facilities will shape the future of sports participation, not just in running but across paddle sports and other emerging grassroots movements.“It’s fine to walk at a parkrun.”“Community can’t be manufactured.”“Social prescribing is a powerful tool.”Whether you're passionate about running, involved in sport or interested in public health and participation trends, this episode offers insight into how sport is evolving and why inclusivity and wellbeing are at the centre of it.