Supported by funding from the Tourism Development Programme, St Helena will officially launch the World’s most remote parkrun on Saturday 11 July 2026.
Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5km event that welcomes people of all ages and abilities to walk, jog, run, or volunteer. The St Helena event will take place every Saturday morning in the scenic surroundings of Plantation Forest, starting at 08:00 from the Viewing Platform.
The inaugural event marks a significant milestone for the island and is expected to become both a popular community activity and a unique tourism attraction. Interest has already been generated amongst parkrun enthusiasts in the United Kingdom and Southern Africa, many of whom are keen to visit St Helena to add the world’s most remote parkrun to their collection.
Open to everyone aged four and above, parkrun encourages participation rather than competition. Children under 11 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Participation is completely free. Those wishing to have an official result recorded simply need to register online at https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register and bring a barcode, either printed or displayed on a smartphone or smartwatch. You will not be able to choose St Helena as your home Parkrun until the first event has taken place, but please just choose any other parkrun as your home location and your barcode will work here.
The St Helena parkrun is officially registered with both Parkrun UK and the National Sports Association of St Helena (NSASH).
Minister Henry, who will officially start the inaugural event, welcomed the launch:
“St Helena parkrun is a fantastic initiative that captures a holistic and simple approach to improving both physical and mental wellbeing as a community. I encourage people of all ages and abilities to come, enjoy each other’s company at your own pace, and take a positive step to a “healthier St Helena” together.
Stephen Thwaites, Event Director for St Helena parkrun, said:
“It is fantastic to bring parkrun to St Helena, and I cannot wait to see residents and visitors enjoying our unique course through Plantation Forest. Not only do we claim to be the world’s most remote parkrun, but we are also the only parkrun in the world where participants may be watched by Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal.
I would like to thank the Tourism Development Programme for funding our registration and supporting the establishment of this event. My thanks also go to the dedicated volunteer committee whose hard work over the past year has made this possible.
We hope parkrun becomes a regular community event that promotes healthy living, social connection and outdoor activity, while also helping to showcase St Helena to visitors from around the world. We look forward to welcoming as many people as possible on Saturday mornings.
We are also seeking additional volunteers to help deliver the event each week and would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in getting involved.”
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