Building Community, One parkrun at a Time
How Darren Rowe is Leading a Healthier, More Connected Future for North East Lincolnshire
When Darren Rowe laced up his trainers in his mid-thirties, it wasn’t for a personal best or a medal—it was a bet with his wife to get healthier. What started as a personal challenge turned into a community movement that continues to ripple across North East Lincolnshire more than a decade later.
Today, Darren is not only the founding force behind Cleethorpes parkrun, but also the driving energy behind new initiatives that will see parkrun events launched in Grimsby and beyond—with a clear focus on community ownership, inclusion, and wellbeing.
From Runner to Community Leader
Darren’s journey into running began 20 years ago, in his mid-thirties, when he recognised that his health needed attention. After joining Cleethorpes Athletics Club and becoming Club Captain, he discovered how cliquey and inaccessible the running world could feel to newcomers.
That experience stayed with him—and shaped his decision in 2014 to launch Cleethorpes parkrun. But this wasn’t just about starting a local run; Darren’s vision was to build a truly inclusive event, owned by the community rather than any single club or organisation.
“I didn’t want it to be something that belonged to one group. I brought people together from different clubs and backgrounds to make sure it felt like it was for everyone,” Darren explains.
What’s Next: Expanding parkrun Across the Patch
Fast forward to today, and Darren is preparing to launch not one but two new parkrun events:
- A new 5K adult parkrun in Grimsby, starting at Freshney Parkway, with land use permissions secured and support from local councillors.
- A new Junior 2K parkrun at Grant Thorold Park, run in partnership with Michelle Cook and The Canopy, with two new community leaders, Stella and Vic, stepping up to co-direct the event.
Both events aim to bring people together, promote physical and mental wellbeing, and make use of green spaces in underrepresented communities—including East Marsh and Yarborough Ward.
With dreams of eventually expanding into Immingham, Darren’s vision is clear: “This isn’t about running. It’s about connection, confidence, and creating spaces where people feel they belong.”
Volunteers Wanted: You Don’t Need to Run to Make a Difference
While Darren’s background is in running, he’s passionate about ensuring parkrun is open to everyone—and that includes the volunteers who make it happen.
“We’re looking for people with a bit of gumption,” he says. “You don’t need to be a runner. You just need to want to make a difference on a Saturday or Sunday morning.”
Volunteer roles include:
Marshals to encourage runners and ensure safety
Barcode scanners and timekeepers (using a mobile app)
Run Directors to help oversee the event
Event setup and pack-down crews
Tail walkers to ensure no one finishes last
There’s even room for volunteer coordinators who’d prefer to manage rotas and logistics during the week. Roles are flexible and suitable for all ages—including students completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Training, Tea and Community Spirit
Before the Grimsby event officially launches, volunteers will be invited to visit Cleethorpes parkrun to see the event in action and try out different roles with support and training.
And there’s more than running involved. Community spaces like the Canopy Café and Stage Door at the Grimsby Auditorium will open early for post-run catchups—building friendship as well as fitness.
Darren believes this sense of belonging is the real reason people keep coming back.
“At Cleethorpes, some of our best volunteers aren’t runners. They come to meet their friends, help out, and grab breakfast together afterwards. That’s what builds resilience—it’s social, it’s uplifting, and it’s fun.”
How You Can Help
Darren is currently building a core team of volunteers to get both events off the ground. His immediate goal?
A small group of people who are willing to take on leadership roles one or two Saturdays a month to help organise and coordinate the events.
With a provisional launch date for Grimsby parkrun in October 2025, this is the perfect time to get involved.
To Get Involved
Email Darren directly:darren.rowe@parkrun.com
Volunteer as an individual, group, or workplace
Suitable for all ages and abilities
parkrun isn’t just about the 5K—it’s about finding your pace in life, whatever that looks like.
As Darren puts it:
“You don’t need to run to belong. Just turn up, get involved, and be part of something positive.”
