EDITOR’S NOTE: Exploring how people are building connections in today’s world, Mellow DeTray’s column “In Search of Community” delves into the diverse ways individuals are finding a sense of belonging – not only in churches and religious gatherings, but also through secular groups. This monthly series aims to resonate with readers across South King County, offering a thoughtful look at the evolving nature of community in our modern lives.

Just before 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, I, along with 85 other participants, converged at the Des Moines Beach Park. We mingled at the meadow near the start of the lovely Des Moines Creek Trail. Des Moines Creek Parkrun participants run or walk 5 kilometers, or 3.1 miles, out and back along this trail together every week.

The turnout this week was high, despite the fact that the weather was a typical cold grey February drizzle. There were many adults of various ages, teens, children, little ones in strollers, and a few dogs on leashes. The volunteers were friendly, mostly regulars who have been helping put this on for years. Parkrun is completely free and volunteer-run, and over the years I have been going I’ve found volunteering to be a great way to be involved. The energy is really positive and supportive, whether you’re helping out or running. I love running along the trail, giving it my all, and hearing Parkrun friends shout and cheer for me.

Although it is not a race and there is no “winner”, the run is timed by volunteers and each participant has their own barcode to track their time. It is fun to see if you can beat your own previous time, and exciting when you can get a little faster each week. See the link above for how to sign up for your own barcode if you want to participate.

When I first began attending in 2021, I wasn’t a runner and didn’t think I would ever be. I just wanted to do things in person with other humans, after a year of staying home during the pandemic. The international Parkrun organization really encourages people who aren’t runners to come and walk the 5K course, which is how I started out. However, upon hearing volunteers ringing the cowbell and cheering for me as I neared the finish line, I would break into a run.

Over time, I began running a little more of the course each time, until I could eventually run the whole thing. Finally, I bought running shoes–arguably the only gear necessary for running, which is something that I love about the sport. Since those early months at Parkrun, when I thought I would never be a runner, I have now run 5 half marathons. I totally credit that transformation to the supportive enthusiasm of Parkrun volunteers.

I have attended a few other Parkrun courses in Washington, and this one is the hilliest. The steep climb can feel like a real beast, and often leaves me huffing and puffing. I used to hate the hill, but now I consider it my “hill training,” improving my cardio fitness. Also, after the turnaround you can pretty much fly through the second half of the course, which is nearly all downhill.

I still show up on days when I may not be up for running – we all have those days. Sometimes it’s an injury or just recovery from a hard run the day before. I go to Parkrun for the social interaction, and because it’s a beautiful waterfront setting to start my weekend. Often on non-running days, I’ll help out in one of the many volunteer positions. Many people over the years (myself included) have shown up to volunteer at Parkrun while on crutches. You don’t have to be feeling particularly athletic to be involved.

On this recent Saturday, instead of running I showed up in my cozy walking attire so that I could chat with people along the trail. I joined a friend and we talked together as we walked up the hill. She described how close she has become with her Parkrun crew, friends she has made through showing up every week. They get together for holidays, parties, and casual runs throughout the week. At the halfway point where the course turns around, hugs were exchanged with the volunteers stationed there, and my friend stayed to chat with them.

For the walk down the hill, I found someone I hadn’t met yet who was walking around my pace and we talked until the finish line. He told me that when he and his wife moved to Des Moines they were looking for ways to get involved and meet people, and heard about Parkrun. He said that through Parkrun he and his wife have become good friends with several other couples. He mentioned that getting drinks after Parkrun at the Quarterdeck is an integral part of the social experience.

I recently listened to an interview with the CEO of Parkrun, who said:

“Parkrun is a social intervention masquerading as a running event.” I think that sums up the experience nicely. Parkrun is an international organization which started in England. Nowadays there are Parkruns in 22 countries, and there are 78 different Parkruns in the US so far. It’s rapidly growing with new ones starting up all the time. When I travel, I always check to see if there is a Parkrun near my destination. It’s a great way to start the weekend in an active, social, beautiful setting, meet new people, as well as the perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends.”

Online interaction through social media can only go so deep, and I think more and more people are finding that it does not fulfill our real need for human connection. I’ve begun a project to explore the ways people are finding community in real life.