New research shows that parkrun builds connection for veterans

Every Saturday morning, military veterans and their families across Australia join their local community at parkrun for a free, 5km walk, run or roll. For many, it has become a regular part of the week: somewhere to be active, connect with others and simply turn up. 

Invictus Australia has long recognised the opportunity parkrun represents. Through our Community Partnership with parkrun Australia, and popular Team Veteran Club, we introduce veterans and families to local events that suit their stage of transition and wellbeing goals, to build ongoing connections through community sport. 

Now, new peer-reviewed research provides further evidence of why accessible opportunities like parkrun can play an important role in veteran wellbeing. 

Led by Leonie Cranney and Anne Carolyn Grunseit from the University of Technology Sydney, the study was funded by Invictus Australia and developed in partnership with parkrun Australia. 

Researchers interviewed 16 regular participants, including runners, walkers and volunteers, at a parkrun event in an area with a high veteran population. Their experiences show that parkrun offers much more than physical activity. 

Connection before crisis 

The research highlights that transition from military to civilian life is not only a clinical challenge. It can also involve the loss of routine, identity, purpose and social connection. 

Veterans valued parkrun because it provided these elements without requiring them to identify as being “in need”, disclose personal challenges or seek formal support. 

One participant described parkrun as a “green zone space”: somewhere connection and support are available before a person reaches crisis. 

Participants could run, walk, volunteer, stay for coffee or simply establish a weekly routine. They could engage on their own terms and benefit from being part of a community without having to explain why they were there. 

The findings reinforce the preventive role community sport can play. Wellbeing is not only supported through treatment after difficulties arise. It can also be strengthened through everyday participation and social connection. 

Familiarity without pressure 

Veterans described parkrun as being “aligned but distinct from military”. 

It offered familiar elements of service life, including structure, teamwork, physical challenge and shared purpose, without hierarchy, obligation or performance pressure. 

As one veteran explained, parkrun offered an opportunity to participate “without the pressures of any times or performance.” 

This balance can help veterans retain positive elements of their military identity while developing new roles, relationships and communities in civilian life. 

The simplicity of parkrun was also important. There is no selection process, referral pathway or performance standard. People can choose how they participate and what they want to gain from the experience. 

“We all need a tribe” 

Perhaps one of the clearest insights from the research came from a non-veteran participant, who said: “We all need a tribe.” 

The study found that parkrun supported veterans not because it was exclusively designed for them, but because it created an inclusive community where belonging came first. 

Veterans and non-veterans participated together. Military service did not determine someone’s role within the group. Everyone was simply a parkrunner. 

This is an important lesson for the veteran sector. Effective wellbeing opportunities do not always need to separate veterans from the broader community. 

Veteran-specific environments can provide valuable support and an important first step. But lasting connection can also grow by helping veterans participate in the communities in which they live. 

Those communities can open wider pathways too. Participants spoke about building relationships and discovering services, activities and support through the people they met at parkrun. 

Sport does not replace DVA, Open Arms, ex-service organisations or health services. However, it can help people find their way to other opportunities and support when they need them. 

The role of Invictus Australia – turning opportunity into impact 

The research demonstrates what an accessible community activity like parkrun can offer. Invictus Australia helps ensure veterans and families can find that opportunity, feel confident taking part and are welcomed when they arrive. 

As a bridge between the defence community and sport, Invictus Australia understands both the experiences of veterans and the realities of community sporting environments. 

Our frontline staff use trusted local relationships to raise awareness of opportunities, make introductions and support veterans and families to begin and sustain their participation. We also work with sporting organisations like parkrun to strengthen their understanding of the defence community and help create safe, informed and welcoming environments. 

This work matters because the benefits of community sport do not reach people simply because an opportunity exists. The pathways into participation must also be visible, accessible and trusted. 

For those who would like an additional connection to the defence community, Invictus Australia coordinates Team Veteran, our national parkrun community running club. It provides an optional point of connection for veterans and families taking part in parkrun across Australia. 

Neil Burgin from Invictus Australia said the findings validated the organisation’s longstanding approach to working with parkrun Australia and local communities. 

“We have long seen parkrun as an important opportunity for veterans and families because it is free, welcoming, adaptive, consistent and already part of communities across Australia. That is why Invictus Australia is committed to this partnership and why our frontline staff actively encourage and support people to get involved. 

“Our role is to help veterans and families see that this opportunity is available to them and feel confident taking the first step. For those who want an additional connection to those who have served in the military and their families, Team Veteran provides that option, which is why it is now the second-largest parkrun group in the country.” 

The research adds to growing evidence that sport and physical activity can support veteran wellbeing through connection, identity, purpose, volunteering and belonging. 

The opportunity now is to ensure more veterans and families have clear, trusted and supported pathways into community sport. 

LEARN MORE AND CONNECT

Veterans, family members and anyone looking for a welcoming local community can find their nearest free, weekly event at parkrun.com.au. 

Veterans and families can also register with Team Veteran for an additional connection to the defence community. 

Read the full study

Find out more about Team Veteran, sign up and purchase a Team Veteran t-shirt here.