Alzheimer's Research UK partners with parkrun UK as runners close to £2m milestone

With one in three people born today developing dementia in their lifetime, Alzheimer’s Research UK and parkrun UK are to extend their partnership into 2023 which will see runners raise their £2 million goal for dementia research.

The parkrun runners have so far raised £1.98 million over the last eight years for the charity and for one dedicated runner, he says that running has helped him “cope with the heartbreak” of losing his father to Alzheimer’s disease.

Stuart Lambie, 63, from Shrewsbury started running in his late 50s through his local parkrun before being inspired to support Alzheimer’s Research UK in honour of his dad, Ian, who died with Alzheimer’s disease in 2020.

He said: “It was parkrun that helped me get into running and then it was parkrun that led me to Alzheimer’s Research UK. When a friend pointed out that they are the official charity partner, it felt like it was the perfect fit for me as at that time my dad was living with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Running helped me cope with the heartbreak of losing my dad to Alzheimer’s disease, so it’s great to be able to use my running to support dementia research.”

Mr Lambie has raised thousands of pounds for dementia research having run the 2021 London Marathon and 2022 Edinburgh Marathon and is aiming to run the London Marathon again in April.

“It’s amazing to think back to that very first parkrun and to think that I’m now running marathons and raising money for a cause that is so close to my heart.

“I’m so honoured to be a parkrunner and supporter of Alzheimer’s Research UK and I’m so proud of what these two fantastic organisations are achieving together,” says Mr Lambie.

’One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime’

The partnership has also played an important role in spreading the message of the charity’s Think Brain Health campaign. In doing so, it’s helped highlight how leading a healthy lifestyle and being socially active can help protect our incredible brains and reduce the risk of dementia.

Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: "We are incredibly grateful that over the last eight years so many parkrunners have got behind our cause. Many of them are motivated to support us because they have seen loved ones affected by dementia."

According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, one in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime unless we bring about preventions and treatments.

“But our amazing supporters and brilliant partners, like parkrun, are helping us power world-class studies to make life-changing breakthroughs for people with dementia,” says Ms Evans.

“Breakthroughs that will keep them connected to their families, their worlds and themselves for longer.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with parkrun into 2023. We are excited about what we can achieve in the future, both in terms of parkrunners’ further support for research and in their continued efforts to raise awareness of dementia.

“This includes supporting parkrunners by empowering them to protect their brain health by being physically and socially active.”

’Sadly, dementia impacts so many of us’

parkruns are free, weekly, community events all around the world. Saturday morning events are 5k and take place in parks and open spaces.

On Sunday mornings, there are 2k junior parkruns for children aged four to 14.

Russ Jefferys, chief executive of parkrun UK, said: “We’re really proud of our long-standing partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK and are delighted that we’ve extended our contract for the year ahead.

“We know that a healthy lifestyle and being socially active helps to reduce the risk of dementia later in life. parkrun communities up and down the country are providing a place for people to find connections with others, and helping people to lead a more active lifestyle.

“Sadly, dementia impacts so many of us, whether personally or knowing a loved one who has dementia. It's no surprise that the parkrun community has totally embraced the partnership over the years.

“I’m sure that support will continue into 2023 and it won’t be long until we reach two million pounds raised towards life-changing breakthroughs.”

To find out more about Alzheimer's Research UK and the work they do click here