Chevin Forest parkrun event director set to run London Marathon for parkrun

Amanda Murray-Hind first discovered parkrun in January 2017, arriving nervously at Bramley parkrun in Leeds. What began as a simple run quickly became something much more meaningful. 

She said: “It was never just about running. It was about connection, belonging, and creating space for everyone, whatever their pace.” 

parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5k event held every Saturday morning in parks and open spaces, run by volunteers and open to people of all abilities. There are currently over 2,200 weekly parkrun events across the globe. 

Within months, Amanda began volunteering and has remained a regular ever since. She has now completed over 250 parkruns and volunteered over 200 times. 

Since 2021, she has been part of the core team at Chevin Forest parkrun near Otley, helping launch the event and later becoming event director. The event has grown into a thriving and welcoming community under her leadership. 

She said: “We’ve welcomed visitors from across the UK and beyond, supported first-timers, cheered every milestone, and celebrated personal bests of all types with the same joy.” 

Amanda is running the London Marathon to give back to parkrun, having spent over eight years enhancing her Saturday mornings with the event. 

She said: “I see first-hand how parkrun changes lives: improving health, building confidence, and creating friendships that span years and miles. I see how vital it is to keep parkrun free for everyone, forever.” 

Looking ahead to Sunday, she added: “When I cross the finish line on the Mall, it won’t be just my medal, it’ll be ours.” 

To find out more about parkrun and where your nearest event to run, walk or volunteer is, visit parkrun.org.uk. To support Amanda’s London Marathon journey and help keep parkrun free forever, donate at https://www.justgiving.com/page/amanda-and-the-weather-fairy.