One Small Step: The incredible story of parkrun

by Paul Sinton-Hewitt, Matt Whyman (Narrator)

Read by the author, Paul Sinton-Hewitt, and his co-author, Matt Whyman. Including an audio-exclusive Q&A between Paul and Matt.

This is the story of a simple idea that turned into a global movement. This is the story of parkrun, told for the very first time from the man who started it all.

Growing up in the brutal care system of South Africa, Paul Sinton-Hewitt had a lonely, difficult childhood. Yet he found solace in running – a simple pleasure that taught him resilience and offered a young boy a sense of self-worth.

With dogged determination, Paul built a stable family life for himself and eventually settled in the UK. But by 2004 he was struggling to hold it all together. He’d lost the successful career he’d worked so hard for, his marriage had broken down, and now a devastating injury threatened to cut him off from the running club which had been a lifeline.

In search of connection and purpose, Paul came up with a simple idea. He would start a weekly time trial run every Saturday morning in his local park. There would be no winners or losers, it would always be free and Paul would be there every week – even on Christmas Day – whether or not anyone else came. Little did he know that from just thirteen runners on that first Saturday, parkrun would grow into a 10 million strong community across five continents. Twenty years on parkrun continues to grow, bringing together people from all walks of life in search of health, happiness and community.

Filled with hope and optimism, One Small Step is a powerful affirmation of how coming together in simple ways can change our own lives and might even change the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

Audible Audio

First published April 10, 2025

Reviews

[Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

I see now that what I'm interested in is the history of parkrun, not the history of Paul Sinton-Hewitt. The final third of this book, which focused on the creation and growth of parkrun was brilliant and really fascinating. I just found the first two parts, which detailed Sinton-Hewitt's tough childhood then love of running in adulthood, less engrossing. It's not like knowing his story gave us much additional insight into parkrun, other than his persistent dropping-in of statements about how 'kindness', 'fairness' and 'inclusivity' are so important to him. He seems a great guy who has made the World a much better place through his creation. 3 stars.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was amazing.

As someone who is a recent convert to parkrun I loved hearing about how it started. Paul’s upbringing is quite harrowing at times.

This book was great and made me even more excited for Saturday morning.

[Abi Pellinor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am most definitely not a runner. I've tried. The first two times (over a year apart) I ended up with ingrown toenails. Lovely. The last time I realised that I probably still have my childhood asthma and I enjoy not coughing up a lung on an afternoon. And yet I still was intrigued by this book, my parents have been runners my whole life and despite not taking part in parkrun's themselves I've heard a lot about them.

This book is about so much more than parkrun. Sinton-Hewitt was made a ward of the state at a very young age and this institutionalisation and the bullying that comes with it formed him as a person. Seeing him overcome these challenges on its own was an interesting read, but as he grows up we start to learn about how impactful running has been for him.

I found the section on Paul's injury to be an interesting read. My mum went through something similar, she broke her femur through stress fractures during the Edinburgh marathon, and she has really struggled to not be able to run in the same way. Seeing Sinton-Hewitt also really struggle without that multi-weekly mindfulness time was really relatable and I enjoyed seeing how he tackled it.

parkrun definitely had humble beginnings, starting with Paul in the park with some close friends and a handful of strangers who enjoyed running. It has definitely evolved from that starting point! Now thousands of people around the globe take part in these casual 5k runs each weekend and it grew to a scale Paul couldn't have anticipated.

Somehow this book made me want to take part in a parkrun! I don't know that I will, the aforementioned enjoyment of having my lungs inside of my body being a fairly big part of that, but I am tempted and I'll definitely be looking up if there are any near me. I'll also be giving this book to my mum! Maybe a 5k parkrun could be just what she needs.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a parkrun obsessive, I was looking forward to reading this. Paul Sinton-Hewitt had a difficult childhood growing up in South Africa, but discovered a love of running. It sustained him throughout his life, when things did not go well, until he was injured whilst marathon training. He missed the running community and started Bushy Park Time Trial. As the saying goes, the rest is history. An incredible story. I couldn't put it down.

[Seaside Sparkles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read written by a humble and inspiring man.

[Melissa Cashmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I downloaded his book on Audible and listened to it on my runs. It’s a fabulous/ interesting listen. Heartbreaking at times…the story of his childhood…and made for intense runs in those chapters. I’m sure though lots of people will relate with using running as a stability/ escapism in life adding routine to a sometimes chaotic time. I had admiration for PS-H beforehand but now it’s reached another level.

parkrun …in my eyes is the greatest public health initiative since clean water / smoking bans . I love everything about PR…the uniform model, the simplicity, it’s not a race, community spirit, inclusiveness and coffee/cake. …. What would we do on a Saturday morning without parkrun ?Thankyou for this book PS-H , I suspect listening to this again and again

[Gemma Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a deep love of parkrun, so I was certain I would enjoy this book. However, I was unprepared for the extent of the traumatic childhood that Paul Sinton-Hewitt experienced. Some chapters were quite heartbreaking to read. His reflections on growing up in apartheid in South Africa were equally captivating. This book gives a candid insight into the founder of parkrun and an understanding of why inclusion and community are embedded in the very DNA of parkrun. It is remarkable what some people endure, only to go on and make the world a better place. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

[Lynda broadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone who parkruns should buy this book. Inspirational

[Mat Greener · Rating 4 out of 5]

memoir of the man who started the parkrun movement. despite a difficult childhood which may make some people bitter he still recognised the importance parkrun could bring to a community as a fee event. He has dedicated 20 years to making this a success . I am a keen parkrun participant but I think even people who have never done a parkrun would still enjoy the book. Although the chances are after reading the book you will be inspired to take part.

[Susie Bannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved parkrun since I did my first one at Thornbury in November 2018. I had no idea that day that it would change my life for the better. I have met some incredible people from all walks of life who I wouldn’t have met had it not been for parkrun. I have volunteered regularly too, at both the 5k events and at juniors. My 12 year old son has also volunteered a lot, he is two away from 50, I really hope he can get there this year. parkrun is simply wonderful. It is a place where you can challenge yourself if you want to or take it easy and walk at a comfortable pace. It is a place where you can make friends and be a part of your community, it is welcoming and it is inclusive. I cannot tell enough people to give it a try! I knew that I had to read this book and I am so pleased I did. I knew a fair bit of the history of parkrun but there were things I learnt which have made its success even more amazing. It was tough reading when Paul was describing his childhood, but that gives us more of an understanding why he needed the sense of belonging that he got from parkrun. I had the honour and pleasure of meeting Paul one Saturday at Bushy parkrun where I was parkwalking with my son. He was very gracious allowing me to grab a selfie and he wanted to hear all about our parkrun history. To be able to personally thank the founder was a privilege I will forever be thankful for. To anyone interested in parkrun, this is a must read.

[Irene McIntosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend reading this book. I love parkrun and have found a new community of lovely friends through parkrun. But this book isn’t just about how parkrun came about. It’s also an insight into the life of the man who founded it. I know I am among millions of people who would want to thank Paul for founding parkrun ! But the book also teaches us a few lessons about life!

[Peter Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered parkrun about a year ago, after my three-year-old granddaughter poked me in the tummy and said "You're fat, Granddad!"

Couldn't deny it. A friend is a parkrunner and when I went along to see him run at a local event I decided to do something about my health and fitness.

Now I'm part of the team, volunteering, running, getting personal bests, enjoying myself immensely. Everywhere I go there is a parkrun, they all work the same way, the numbers all go into the same bucket, it is free, it is fun, it is fabulous.

Here is the story of the founder of parkrun. Paul Sinton-Hewitt - technically, a fellow Australian, as it turns out! - went through a difficult and often disturbing childhood in South Africa. This rippled through his life, making for some uncomfortable reading, but running became a way for him to find happiness and a positive direction in life. Something he could control, make progress, and find fellowship.

When he was unable to run due to an injury, he commenced a regular Time Trial course at Bushy Park in London giving his time and ability to help other runners. It went viral and today it is a global movement.

Paul (with a co-writer) tells a compelling story of his life and the formation of parkrun. I am charmed by the way he came up with an activity that is free, positive, and inclusive. You don't need to run, you won't come last, you don't need expensive equipment, you can just turn up, move yourself through five kilometres of parkland, and collect a run credit. Or volunteer: just stand around as a marshal in a hi-viz vest and hundreds of people come up to you, smile and thank you.

I love the running, I love the volunteering, I love the community. Thank you Paul, for telling your story of how Saturday came to be the highlight of my week!

I heartily commend this book. From the division and unfairness of Apartheid to the inclusion and companionship of parkrun, Paul's story is one that uplifts, inspires, and perhaps pokes those amongst us who are a little tubby or lazy fair in the ribs and gets us out saving our own lives.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an extraordinary man. The founder of parkrun, an international phenomenon started in Bushy Park by one man and 13 runners in 2005 and now a world wide happening in over 25 countries, from Norway to South Africa, Canada, New Zealand and beyond, with millions running and walking 5k every Saturday, a run not a race and completely free, organised by volunteers every week. I am a passionate Parkrunner, now mostly parkwalking and have found friendship as well as exercise.
Paul Sintin-Hewitt had the most appalling childhood in South Africa. He was the third child of parents who didn’t want this last child. His father was a strict disciplinarian, who used the belt regularly on Paul from when he was a toddler. His mother, who was a model, abandoned the family while he was still a small child and his father placed his children in residential care, where Paul was seriously bullied by older boys, a pattern which continued when his father moved the children to boarding school. He married young, desperate to have a happy family life, but with no experience of positive relationships he was not able to sustain fatherhood and marriage.
But he always found running was good for his mental health, and after he came to the UK and met the person who became his saviour and ultimately his wife, and had counselling, he became a serious runner. Training for a sub 2 and a half hour London marathon, he sustained a serious injury and couldn’t run for months. He moped for a long time, but then the idea for a free weekly 5k time trial came to him. And the rest is history! It wasn’t an easy journey of course, but here we are, and it is an extraordinary story.
Paul Sinton-Hewitt had the help of a professional writer, Matt Whyman, and the book is adequately written, and the story itself is gripping.

[Debmeister · Rating 3 out of 5]

One Small Step –
As someone who’s a parkrun fanatic, marathon runner, and always has a book on the go, I was really excited to read One Small Step.

Part One:
I found it difficult to connect with the author in the early chapters, which focused on the hardships of Paul’s childhood and early adult years. While insightful, this part didn’t fully capture my interest.

Part Two:
This part dove into Paul’s running, work, and family life. I still struggled a bit to stay engaged—until the end, when he mentioned an idea for the Bushy Park time trial.

Part Three:
Bushy Park Time Trial inspired by a want of a sense of community, purpose, and to get out the house.
It was great to see Paul's personal growth as well as the evolution of parkrun, from 14 participants and metal washers during event one, and now a global event with an average of 300,000 participants taking park everyweek.

Whilst this may not have been my favourite book, I would like to show my appreciation to Paul and the wonderful parkrun community.
'thank you for volunteering'.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally engaging and well written account of key events in Paul Sinton Hewitt's life, especially the trauma of mother leaving and father dropping the children off at a children's home while he dealt with his mental health issues. It is a story of incredible determination - overcoming all sorts of obstructions but somehow the beginning and amazing growth of the parkrun movement is dominant. Thoughtful consideration of experiences - I was struck by his description of arriving in England and finding that there was a hostility towards white South Africans and learning about things happening in South Africa which were censored in the country. How something really positive arose from a great disappointment - the injury which stopped him running in the London Marathon after such focused preparation leading to the weekly Time Trial at Bushy Park. Incredibly grateful for the passion with which he pursued the parkrun ideal.

[Pete · Rating 3 out of 5]

The subtitle on the dust-jacket is "the definitive account of a run that became a global movement", which gels with the old adage about books and covers. This book is an easy read about a difficult start to life and gives an interesting insight into how Sir PSH got to where he is today. As an account of the creation of the free, weekly, timed events that happen in open spaces around the world each weekend? More has been written on the on the official parkrun blog over the years and I found it fascinating which parts were included and excluded.

If you would like to learn more about this excellent human and his transformative social movement, I recommend this video:

https://www.youtube.com/live/jcDrDFWL...

[Erica Smythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of parkrun and regularly participate in the weekly 5km run and also volunteer when and where I can.
It is such a wonderful initiative and I've seen how people benefit from participating - both in running or walking the 5km route - and volunteering their assistance with the relevant roles required to ensure the weekly event runs smoothly.
The book was well written and it was interesting learning how the event came about and what was required to keep it going and to initiate parkrun in other countries.
If you haven't already participated in a parkrun event then do yourself a favour - lace up your trainers one Saturday and head out there to join the other "parkrunners" - you won't regret it.

[Rachel]

Excellent and compelling memoir from the founder of parkrun. Goes into some emotional and difficult elements of his childhood and how this ultimately led to developing parkrun. My family are big fans of parkrun, especially the junior version, and this book left me feeling more inspired and grateful for it and the way it was set up.
I won't give memoirs a star rating, but would highly recommend the book.

[Kalwinder Dhindsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run for your Life. Since taking up parkrun in February 2025, my Type 2 Diabetes levels have gone down considerably. I love the challenge of returning week after to week to better my previous time.

Reading this book has been a real eye opener. I never knew Paul had such a difficult upbringing. The challenges he has gone through for him to have helped create such a phenomena are quite incredible.

Long may it continue.

[Samantha Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning about the start of parkrun, but I thought it was a shame we didn't have this earlier on in the book. Up until about 180-190 pages, Paul discussed his childhood, troubles with his parents and at school, jobs etc. and I felt this was a separate story.

The creation of parkrun only covered about 100 or so pages and I wanted to know more. It is more so Paul's entire life story than parkrun's.

It's still a really interesting read.

[dennis Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started doing parkruns last December and have also volunteered, the whole set up and atmosphere is amazing. I loved this book and learned so much about Paul and parkrun and loved the journey. Paul’s life hasn’t always been a bed of roses but I think he can be so proud of the phenomenon he has created. I will be recycling this book to my many friends at Teignmouth parkrun at our coffee and cake debrief in the coming months.

[Christine Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Paul Sinton-Hewitt who set up the first parkrun in Bushey. Being a runner and park runner myself, I enjoyed learning about what drove him to do this and gaining an understanding of the commitment he made to getting this off the ground..Listened to this on audiobook whist out walking and running. He is inspirational.

[Cara Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books starts with some very upsetting descriptions of the author is childhood and then moves on to the circumstances which led to the creation of parkrun and its rise into the global movement it is. I really enjoyed this and it definitely added more context to this Saturday’s parkrun!

[Andy Parkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love parkrun. such a simple idea and it's become this massive global thing so I was very keen to hear about where it came from. a big chunk of this about the life of the founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt which has a huge bearing on how he came up with idea and it's execution. Very interesting!

[Bex D]

Super interesting listen from the founder of Parkrun from his early years to now. The bonus Q&A on the Spotify audio book was a great addition. Really enjoyed this book and it's remotivated me to Parkrun and volunteer

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclosure, as a regular parkrunnervI'm bias.
Essentially a book of two parts. A rather bleak first half covering the authors life until his relationship with his current wife. Then a far more positive second half from chapter 13 that covers the history of parkrun plus other aspects of his life. A good read from a good bloke.

[Olwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learnt a lot about the development of parkrun in this text, and the history of its founder. Turns out he initiated parkrun at a very difficult time of his life. Just goes to show that you don't have to have everything in your life perfect to make something good happen.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting memoir of sorts about the founder of parkrun. As a parkrunner & regular volunteer some of the backstory & logic of the process is fascinating. Probably not so interesting for those not familiar with Parkrun.

[Lucy Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As others have said, the story of Parkrun begins closer to the end, and a lot of the earlier chapters are about Paul's life. Nonetheless, reading about him going from being in state care to starting a run that became a household phrase is really something. I love running ❤

[Mugren Ohaly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this was a book about running and Parkrun, not the author’s childhood and marital problems.