Parkrun isn’t just about turning up and running 5km—it has evolved into a global community with a host of unofficial challenges that add an extra layer of fun and motivation. Whether you’re looking to explore new locations, push your consistency, or just add a quirky goal to your Saturday mornings, these challenges bring an extra sense of adventure to the parkrun experience.
Many of these challenges have gained popularity through the Running Challenges browser extension, originally developed by two UK-based IT professionals. Since then, they’ve been widely embraced by the parkrun community, including in Australia, where runners share their progress in dedicated Facebook groups and track their achievements through apps like the 5k App. While not officially endorsed by parkrun, these challenges are a great way to stay engaged, meet like-minded runners, and discover new events across the country. One of the most interesting aspects of parkrun are the organic parkrun challenges that have developed a sub-culture of parkrun tourists. A strong following exists in Australia, including a ten-thousand-strong Facebook group.
Here’s a summary of different challenges that you might want to explore via parkrun in Australia. Click through each image to find out further information on Australian locations that will assist you on your journey.
 | Alphabeteer Run at parkrun locations starting with each letter of the English alphabet (except X) |
 | Beehive Run at parkruns starting with 20 Bs and a Q(ueen) |
 | Compass Run the most northerly, southerly, easterly and westerly parkruns in Australia |
| Compass Club Run at a parkrun named after each of the four compass points. |
 | Name Badge Run at parkruns starting with all of the letters in your name |
 | Pirates! Run seven Cs and an R (say it out loud). |
 | Stayin’ Alive Run three Bees and three Gees. |
 | Single-Ton Run 100+ parkruns at the same location. |
 | Double-Ton Run 200+ parkruns at the same location. |
 | All Weather Runner Run in each month of the year. |
 | Bronze Level Obsessive Run 30+ parkruns in one calendar year. |
 | Silver Level Obsessive Run 40+ parkruns in one calendar year. |
 | Gold Level Obsessive Run 50+ parkruns in one calendar year. |
 | Record Breaker Run all the parkrun events within 33km, 45km, and 78km of your average parkrun location. |
