Looking for a fun, free gathering of runners and walkers? Avoiding registration fees for popular runs? Want to get the family or kiddos or a partner-spouse-pal on the track? If so, the Hays Farm parkrun fits the bill for all of those.
Alabama’s only parkrun began June 14, 2025, and celebrated its first anniversary a few weeks ago. Attendees meet each Saturday morning at Hays Farm in south Huntsville for a free, timed 5K. Wanna go all out? Fine. Run like a whitetail on opening day of the hunting season. Doing intervals? Jogging? Walking? All good. It’s not a race, even with the timing clock.
parkrun started in the United Kingdom in 2004. About half a million people participate in a parkrun event around the world each week. Its mission is “to make the world healthier and happier through free, inclusive and accessible community events. People of all ages, abilities, backgrounds and walks of life come together to stay active and make friends.” More than 100 parkruns are held in the United States.
“When we first envisioned bringing parkrun to Huntsville, we hoped it would become a staple of our weekend,” said Alasdair Marshall, founding event director at Hays Farm parkrun. “But seeing the community take ownership of it has been the real highlight. Over the past year, this event has transformed from a Saturday morning run into a weekly gathering place where neighbors meet and friendships are formed.”
Healthy Fun
Hays Farm parkrun is more than just a 5K. It is a community-led health initiative.
In a time when social isolation is a growing concern, the event provides a consistent, weekly opportunity for social connection. Barriers to entry are removed. parkrun is free, timed and welcoming to walkers, and has successfully engaged those who might otherwise feel excluded from traditional ‘athletic’ spaces.
Marshall says the energy at Hays Farm has been inspiring.
“We’ve built a solid foundation, and as we head into our second year, I’m excited to welcome even more new faces to our start line,” he said. “If you’re keen to get out and be active, or would like to meet friendly, encouraging people, there’s a place for you in the parkrun community.”
To participate registration is required at www.parkrun.com or parkrun.us/haysfarm. This gives you a unique code that is scanned at each parkrun event. Huntsville’s parkrun is 7:30 a.m. each Saturday, at 1117 Haysland Road. Volunteer opportunities are welcome, as well. Visit parkrun.us/haysfarm or email haysfarm@parkrun.com.
