Specsavers partners with Parkrun to increase accessibility

Specsavers has teamed up with Parkrun to increase accessibility and encourage those with disabilities, including sight and hearing loss, to take part in the weekly 5k.

The StartLine initiative has been designed to remove both practical and emotional barriers to participation, and help those with accessibility needs join Parkrun for the first time.

StartLine packs will include visibility aids, including branded, high-visibility bibs displaying the words ‘Please give me space,’ and step-up boxes for volunteers.

Large, laminated course maps highlighting the route, starting point, parking, toilets and facilities will also be included in the packs, as will A3 whiteboards that explain event information in accessible ways.

Guide tethers, to support participants who are blind or partially sighted when running with a guide, will also be included.

Packs will be distributed to 100 Parkrun events across the UK later this year.

Participants, organisers and volunteers will also be provided with accessible information ahead of events, with the aim of helping people understand what to expect, know what support is available, and feel more confident about attending.

The initiative also includes an online StartLine Hub, which includes information for both volunteers and those considering joining Parkrun as a participant.

A need for greater accessibility

Over 300,000 people already take part in Parkrun events across the UK each week, Parkrun said.

New research from Specsavers has found that 67% of people with accessibility needs want to be more physically active, but that confidence is the biggest barrier.

Other challenges include navigating unfamiliar environments, uncertainty about what support may be available, and issues accessing event information.

The research also found that 49% of people with accessibility needs would like to join Parkrun, but lack the confidence to go alone.

Almost three quarters (74%) said that feeling ‘welcomed and supported’ during the event would be just as important to their wellbeing as the physical exercise itself.

More than half (54%) noted that they would attend Parkrun if inaccessible information, uncertainty around support, and concerns about navigating the event were addressed and removed.

The research included 2000 adults and was carried out by Specsavers in May 2026. It included adults with visual and hearing impairments and mobility issues, and those suffering from social isolation.

A profound impact on health

Specsavers has partnered with Jodie Ounsley, the first deaf female England rugby player, to promote the initiative.

A campaign film features three individuals with disabilities, all of whom are at different points on the journey with Parkrun. The film highlights the difference practical support can make, Specsavers said.

Ounsley noted: “Getting to the start line can often feel like the hardest part. What I love about this initiative is that it’s focused on making people feel welcome before they’ve even taken their first step.

“Everyone deserves to experience the physical and mental benefits that come from being part of the Parkrun community, and the StartLine Initiative helps make that possible.”

John Perkins, CEO of Specsavers, said: “Being able to take an active role in community life and feeling included can have a profound impact on health, wellbeing and confidence.  So, we are proud to partner with Parkrun to help make events more accessible to more people.

“Parkrun brings people together every week, but we know that for some, barriers around sight, hearing, mobility or simply knowing what to expect can make getting to the start line the hardest part.”

Perkins added: “The StartLine Initiative is about using our expertise and our partnership with Parkrun to help remove some of those barriers, so more people feel confident, welcome and able to experience everything that comes from being part of their local Parkrun community.”