The Durham Masonic Parkrun Group took their monthly meet-up international this weekend, with over 40 Freemasons, plus friends, and families from the Province of Durham joining the global Parkrun movement across two continents.
The headline event saw members travel to North Yorkshire for the 500th Fountains Abbey Parkrun, uniting with fellow Freemasons from the Province of Yorkshire North, West Riding. At the same time, 64-year-old Durham Freemason Paul Lister laced up his trainers in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, for one of six Parkruns he's completing while following the British & Irish Lions tour.
Since its formation in 2022, the Durham Masonic Parkrun Group has gone from strength to strength. The initiative promotes physical health, mental well-being, and community engagement while showcasing the positive impact Freemasonry has across society.
Duncan Maw, Provincial Grand Almoner and Group Coordinator, shared:
“It started as a simple idea to bring members, friends, and families together for a run, followed by coffee and cake. With the support of our Provincial Grand Master, John Watts, what began as a local activity has blossomed into a movement.
We are open to everyone, whether as a participant or a volunteer. We encourage the social aspect afterwards, as it’s a fantastic way to build community and help tackle social isolation in all its forms.”
The group’s journey to Fountains Abbey was part of a broader mission to inspire other Provinces to form their own Parkrun communities:
“We wanted to show our brethren in Yorkshire the benefits of Parkrun - for health, camaraderie, and visibility in our communities,” Duncan said. “We’re already planning our next ‘Parkrun Road Trip’ to York Racecourse on August 16, where we’ll join the Province of Yorkshire and East Riding.”
Thousands of miles away, Paul Lister shared his Australian Parkrun experience:
“It was a fantastic run in Brisbane - my fastest of the year! I’ve completed four Parkruns so far in Australia and plan to do two more in Melbourne and Sydney before heading home.”
The group encourages anyone interested-Freemason or not-to get involved:
“Just show up, say hello, and you’ll be welcomed with open arms. We encourage all to get involved and stay for coffee and cake afterwards,” said Duncan. “Those who take part will even receive a complimentary Durham Freemasons Parkrun Group Shirt.”
Also, in attendance at Fountains Abbey were:
John Watts, Provincial Grand Master of Durham, who presented Nigel Seymour with a commemorative shirt for completing his 100th Parkrun
James Newman OBE, Provincial Grand Master of Yorkshire, West Riding
John Paul Thompson, Past ProvGM of Durham and now Assistant Grand Master of UGLE, who helped coordinate the day’s events on behalf of Duncan Maw. He said: “It was a real pleasure to support the Durham Masonic Parkrun Group at such a landmark event. As a Durham Mason myself, I’m incredibly proud of how our Province continues to lead the way in promoting unity, wellbeing, and community engagement both at home and across the wider Masonic community. The Parkrun initiative has been so effective, and I hope it spreads to neighbouring provinces.”
The Durham Masonic Parkrun Group continues to set the pace for community engagement, proving that wherever you are in the world, you're never far from friendship, fitness, and Freemasonry.
