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Vicars complete more than 1,000 parkruns

David Chadwick A group of four male and one female vicars, including David Chadwick. Four are wearing sports clothing including hi-vis waterproof jackets. One is wearing a thicker, blue winter coat. They are standing in a park on a grass area next to a walking and cycle path. A few other people can be seen behind them and there is a football pitch in the distance.David Chadwick
The group has been taking part in the Silksworth Parkrun in Sunderland for more than 10 years

A group of Church of England priests who have completed more than 1,000 parkruns say it helps "keep them sane".

The five vicars turn out every Saturday to take part in the Silksworth event in Sunderland, one of hundreds of free weekly 3.1m (5k) runs that take place in parks around the world.

The Reverend David Chadwick, Vicar of St Paul's, Ryhope began taking part in 2012 and persuaded other ordained colleagues to join him.

"I've done funerals and other services for families because people know me from parkrun, it's how I meet parishioners who don't come to church," he said.

David Chadwick David Chadwick is wearing a green cassock is standing outside his church. He is in his 40s, clean-shaven and has short brown hair with a centre parting. His hands are clasped together in front of him and he is smiling. The church is a large, stone construction with high arch stained glass windows and an ornate arch at the entrance.David Chadwick
The Reverend David Chadwick says cakes made him indistinguishable from a camel

"When I became a curate, people kept feeding me cake," Mr Chadwick said.

"I went on a tour of the Sinai peninsular and there's a photograph of me on a camel and it was difficult to see which was which so I decided I needed to start running.

"There's something about running that I find very uplifting and very life giving, it keeps me sane and helps me think.

"When I have a problem I can usually sort it out when I'm running."

Helen-Ann Hartley The Bishop of Newcastle is standing in front of a wall wearing the purple shirt and dog collar of a bishop and a dark skirt. She has greyish brown hair and glasses and is in her 50s. She is holding up a number for the Great North Run Helen-Ann Hartley
The Bishop of Newcastle ran the Great North Run for the Newcastle Foodbank

Over time, he persuaded five other vicars in the Sunderland area to join him, including the Reverend Jen Bradshaw, Team Rector of North Wearside Parish, who has now completed 316 parkruns.

"Silksworth is not even the nearest one to where I live, but we've built such a community there, not just with the clergy but with the other runners," she said.

"It's just so lovely to be among friends and feel like you're part of a wider group."

The Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, is also a keen runner and completed the Great North Run in both 2023 and 2024.

Speaking then she said "It's so iconic how could I not do it?

"Yes running's tough at times, but it's getting through that challenge which is so life-affirming."

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