Off the Shelf: One Small Step – Paul Sinton-Hewitt in conversation with Rachel Bower

Meet the man behind the international sensation that is Park Run. Paul Sinton-Hewitt’s love affair with running started as a lifeline during a tough childhood, offering a taste of freedom. Years later, sidelined by injury and feeling adrift, he had a simple idea: a free, weekly timed run for anyone who wanted to join. No pressure, no prizes, but guaranteed to happen every weekend come rain or shine (even on Christmas Day!). 

From a humble group of thirteen slightly bewildered runners, parkrun exploded. Now, twenty years later, it’s a global community of over 10 million runners, walkers and cheerers. Proving that the simplest ideas can bring together people from every walk of life in pursuit of fitness, happiness and community spirit.

‘Paul’s story is as fascinating and surprising as it is inspiring. His legacy is one of the greatest modern feel-good success stories’ – Vassos Alexander, sports reporter and author of Swimmingly.

Paul Sinton-Hewitt has been recognised for his contributions to fitness and public health, receiving awards such as the CBE from Queen Elizabeth II for services to grassroots sports participation in 2014 and the Albert Medal from the RSA. One Small Step is his first book, written in collaboration with close friend and fellow runner Matt Whyman.

Rachel Bower is a poet and writer of fiction and non fiction.  She is a Fellow at the Royal Literary Fund based at the University of Sheffield.

This event is part of Off the Shelf: Festival of Words from the University of Sheffield. The full festival programme is available here: https://offtheshelf.org.uk/events/ 

The event is organised by the Off the Shelf Festival. Views expressed at this event do not reflect those of Sheffield Museums.