Paul’s journey began in Rhodesia – now known as Zimbabwe – where a challenging childhood, including time spent in care, played a defining role in his early life. He found solace in exercise and soon developed a passion for running.
After relocating to the United Kingdom in the mid-1990s, Paul was facing one of the lowest points in his life, both personally and professionally. He had also picked up an injury that had prevented him from exercising.
Realising how prominent running had become in his life, Paul launched the Bushy Park Time Trial in 2004. Held every Saturday morning, the event offered a free, timed five-kilometre run around Bushy Park in south-west London, providing a simple, accessible way for people to come together.
Over time, the event evolved into the Parkrun we know today and has since grown into a global phenomenon with over 130,000 events held annually across 23 countries.
Parkrun now has over 11 million participants registered across its network and deliver 1,000 weekly events in the UK alone.
Paul’s endeavours in creating this health and fitness movement have now seen him formally recognised by Loughborough University for his outstanding contributions to sport, health and wellbeing.
Reflecting on what it means to receive an honorary doctorate from Loughborough, he said:
“It’s brilliant. Loughborough is a great university with a strong reputation, not only for sport, science and humanities, but across the world. To be here among all the talent and creativity in Loughborough is a wonderful recognition.
“Growing up in South Africa, sport was part of daily life. It was something you expected to do and running felt natural. I learned early that running helped me manage my moods and helped me feel normal.
“Much later, after suffering trauma, I decided to do something for my friends. I set up a weekly event in my local park, and the real reason was the coffee afterwards. I wanted my friends to meet me, do a little exercise and then go for coffee and it worked. After six months we occupied the whole top floor of that coffee shop until midday every week.
“Now, 21 years later, there are 3,000 events around the world in 23 countries. Half a million people take part every week. We have about 11 million registered participants and hundreds of millions of recorded runs. Fifty thousand volunteers make sure events take place every week. They are the heart of Parkrun.
“There are many lessons people can take from Parkrun. One is that you do not need to wait for perfect conditions to start something. You have the knowledge, the ability, the authority and the skills. You can start now, you don’t need to wait.
“Another lesson is to embrace volunteering. To volunteer is to lead. You may not realise it at first, but volunteering turns you into a leader in your community and that leads to many good outcomes.”
Paul was also appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to Grassroots Sport Participation in the 2014 Birthday Honours.
Professor Jo Maher, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Sport at Loughborough University, said: “Paul’s journey has been nothing short of phenomenal. The impact Parkun has had on public health and wellbeing is enormous and that’s all down to Paul’s vision and dedication.
“Parkrun aligns with Loughborough University’s ethos that sport and physical activity is for everyone, so we’re thrilled to recognise Paul today with an honorary degree.”
Paul was made a Doctor of the University at Loughborough’s winter graduation service on Friday 12 December 2025.
