Curtis Whittit wasn’t a runner. In fact, his high school cross country career ended rather abruptly. His words: “a funny story for another day.” Despite that, he’s at the head of a movement in Wichita that’s getting people of all ages and abilities moving: parkrun.
parkrun started in the UK as a free, community event where people can do a 5K together every Saturday morning. Whittit is the local event director for Wichita’s parkrun along the scenic Arkansas River paths surrounding Exploration Place.
Open to walkers, runners, strollers, and even dogs, parkrun is as much about community as it is about cardio.
“Some people come to race. Some come with their kids or their coffee,” Whittit said. “No matter what pace you’re going, everyone’s out there doing the same thing together.”
Inspired by his wife’s passion for running, Whittit began hosting informal 5Ks during the pandemic as a way to stay active and connected. When he learned about the global parkrun, he knew Wichita needed one. But he was missing a host location.
By chance, Adam Smith, President and CEO of Exploration Place (and fellow parkrun enthusiast), had already reached out to the global organization to start a Wichita event. But he was missing volunteers.
“So I went to him, and I said, ‘Hey, if you can be our host site, I will do everything else,” Whittit said.
With the support of Run Wichita, local partners like the Health & Wellness Coalition, and running enthusiasts, parkrun at Exploration Place was born.
On a typical parkrun Saturday morning in spring and summer, Whittit said he’d see about 120 participants gather at the starting line, including seasoned runners, first-timers, families, and visitors to Wichita. Some participants treat the 5K as their weekly workout. Others come for a walk, a chat, and a moment of community.
Whittit recalls many stories that reflect the ripple effect of showing up.
“One guy showed up, ran a few 5Ks with us, and eventually signed up for a half marathon. Then a full. Then he did his master’s thesis on parkrun’s impact on wellbeing,” he shared. “Another participant brought a friend, then their whole family. It grows like that.”
parkrun’s reach has extended beyond running. Thanks to a partnership between Exploration Place and the Greater Wichita YMCA, a free community yoga class now takes place after the run in the new outdoor amphitheater at Exploration Place.
“We see people show up just for yoga now,” Whittit said. “And that’s great. It’s all part of the same energy: movement, connection, community.”
Wichita’s event is one of the most successful parkruns in North America, and Whittit has a message for anyone interested in getting involved.
“Come as you are. Walk, run, cheer, or volunteer. And if you don’t have a parkrun in your city, start one. All it takes is a little passion and a few people willing to show up.”
The Wichita parkrun meets every Saturday at 8 a.m. at Exploration Place. It’s always free, always friendly, and always welcoming––no matter your pace, age, or ability.
