🏃♂️[ Parkrun Joins Forces with GSPA for Global Social Prescribing Day 2026
The Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA) is excited to announce a new collaboration with Parkrun to celebrate Global Social Prescribing Day 2026 . This partnership highlights the transformative power of physical activity and community connection in improving health and wellbeing.
Global Social Prescribing Day, held annually, encourages healthcare providers, patients, and communities to explore non-clinical pathways to better health from exercise and social engagement to creative and nature-based activities. This year, participants across the UK and beyond will be invited to join local Parkruns to experience first-hand the benefits of movement, connection, and wellbeing.
Driving Health Through Community and Exercise
Dr. Hussain Al-Zubaidi, Health Partnership Lead Parkrun - GP and social prescribing advocate, explains: “Parkrun is more than just a 5k — it’s a community. On Social Prescribing Day, we can show how accessible, regular physical activity supports both physical and mental health. For patients, staff, and communities, a simple run or walk can spark conversations, build connections, and create lasting change.”
Dr. Al-Zubaidi, who founded the Clarendon Lodge Medical Practice Fitness Club and developed initiatives like Run Talk Run, brings decades of experience combining exercise with mental health support and social prescribing principles. His work demonstrates how movement can be a gateway to improved lifestyle, social engagement, and wellbeing for people of all ages and abilities.
A Global Movement
The GSPA is now supporting over 40 countries and continues to grow, connecting communities, healthcare providers, and innovators worldwide.
Parkrun has over 11 million registered usersworldwide, with events spanning 23 countries. Parkrun, too, continues to expand globally. This year, we reached a major milestone, with weekly participation growing to 400,000 parkrunners across 2,600 events worldwide. This growth is not just about numbers it reflects Parkrun’s continued efforts to make the events more inclusive and accessible, through initiatives like junior parkrun outreach, custodial events, and the parkrun practice programme. Together, Parkrun and Global Social Prescribing Alliance are making social prescribing tangible, fun, and community-led.
A Word from GSPA
Gareth Presch, CEO of GSPA, adds: “We are delighted to partner with Parkrun for Global Social Prescribing Day 2026. This collaboration embodies our mission to make social prescribing accessible, engaging, and effective. Simple activities like walking, running, or connecting with others in the community can have profound impacts on health, reducing isolation and promoting prevention at scale.”
Get Involved
On Global Social Prescribing Day 2026, healthcare providers, community groups, and individuals are invited to join local Parkruns, host inclusive activity sessions, or share stories of how social prescribing has positively impacted their lives. Together, GSPA and Parkrun aim to inspire communities to embrace movement, connection, and wellbeing.
For more information, visit GSPA webpage and Parkrun website, and join the movement to make Social Prescribing Day 2026 a celebration of health, community, and connection.
Register your event or activity here****.
GSPA Social Prescribing Day Toolkit.
All GSPA campaign assets and resources are completely free to use.
**Save the date for next year as we are bringing Global Social Prescribing Day to a Saturday to be more inclusive - 27th March 2027! **
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