February 24, 2026
Ahrens Park on the east side of Grinnell has been selected for a weekly five-kilometer community walk/run that occurs at thousands of sites around the world. Ahrens Park will be one of the smallest U.S. places to host a parkrun when it formally launches on April 4.
parkrun was founded near London, England, in 2004 as a free, volunteer-led community-building weekly event. The first US location was Livonia, Michigan, in 2012. In all, there are more than nine million registered parkrunners who can attend a weekly gathering in one of 22 different countries.
Grinnell residents Barb Trish and Bill Menner discovered parkrun while living in England. The non-competitive, community-focused spirit of the event appealed to them.
“There were more than 500 runners and walkers at our first parkrun in Nottingham,” said Trish, a Grinnell College professor. “There was a festive spirit and I couldn’t help but think that Ahrens Park would be a perfect venue. We went on a weekly basis while in the UK then began seeking out options after returning to Iowa.”
There is just one parkrun in Iowa, held at Iowa City’s City Park. Menner and Trish have been there on a number of occasions, and also tested parkruns in Eagan, MN, Western Springs, IL, and Cleveland, OH.
Through social media, they began seeking out anyone interested in a casual Saturday morning run or walk around Ahrens Park. When a core group emerged, Menner reached out to parkrun’s North America Territory Manager Euan Bowman. He provided guidance and a template for action. That included a requirement that the property owner – the Ahrens Park Foundation – grant its permission.
Foundation President and CEO Chad Nath immediately endorsed the concept.
“We believe this event aligns with the community’s goal of fostering healthy, active lifestyles and bringing residents together for a positive, shared experience,” Nath said. “The use of Ahrens Park provides an ideal, accessible venue that showcases our community’s valuable green space and encourages outdoor activity.”
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parkrun North America reviewed the proposed 3.12 mile double-loop around Ahrens Park, conducted a risk assessment, and ultimately gave its blessing. Bowman said he’s thrilled to see a second Iowa parkrun location.
“It’s the perfect event where locals, students, and tourists can come together every Saturday morning for a community get together by ways of running or walking. You can always volunteer and be part of the community, if running and walking isn’t your thing!”
Another early adopter is Grinnell resident Barb Baker, who is a running regular at events across the region. She said she’s excited to connect competitive runners with casual walkers and those eager to volunteer for a weekly community-building event.
“I’m incredibly proud to see the community’s passion for health and fitness come to life with the launch of parkrun,” Baker said. “This event is more than just a run; it is a weekly invitation for us to connect with each other for a morning stroll, spirited run, or volunteer opportunity. This is truly an energetic, organized, and welcoming environment designed to motivate and encourage us.”
For more information or to volunteer, contact grinnellparkrun@gmail.com.
