Specsavers has agreed a new multi-year partnership with parkrun aimed at expanding participation in the weekly 5km community events, with a focus on people currently under-represented in physical activity.
The agreement will see Specsavers work with parkrun to identify and address barriers that prevent people from taking part, including those with visual impairments, hearing loss and individuals experiencing social isolation.
The initiative will begin with a series of ‘listen and learn’ focus groups designed to gather insights that can inform practical changes to make the events more accessible. Specsavers will also activate the partnership through its UK network of more than 1,000 stores, helping to connect local communities with nearby parkruns.
The collaboration aligns with both organisations’ broader focus on improving public health and community wellbeing through accessible community-first initiatives.
John Perkins, Specsavers Group CEO, said: “At Specsavers, our mission is to improve lives through better sight and hearing and we believe everyone should have access to quality care when they need it.
“parkrun has done incredible work to inspire people to get outdoors, get active and connect with their communities and I’m delighted that our partnership will help break down barriers that stop some people getting involved. By reaching those who may have felt unable to take part in a parkrun before, we hope to empower more people to take steps to improve their health.”
Elizabeth Duggan, parkrun CEO, added: “parkrun was created to empower people to come together to be active, social and outdoors. Whilst over 250,000 people take part each week in the UK, we know there are more people who could benefit.
“Our partnership with Specsavers will strengthen our mission, by listening directly to people with sight loss, hearing loss, or people experiencing social isolation, we can better understand what they need and ensure parkrun continues to be a welcoming, inclusive space for all.”
The partnership forms part of Specsavers’ ongoing support of sport and community participation. The company already works with other sporting organisations across the UK, including the Scottish Football Association, Rugby League club Hull KR, emerging racquet sport padel and English darts player Beau Greaves, known as ‘Beau ‘n’ Arrow’, using those partnerships to promote the importance of sight and hearing health within sport and grassroots communities.
Both organisations said the collaboration with parkrun is intended as a long-term commitment focused on delivering practical improvements to accessibility rather than a short-term campaign.
Further information about the partnership can be found here: https://blog.parkrun.com/uk/?p=34175.
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