Fitbit partners with parkrun UK
This post was originally published on the Fitbit press site. It has been adapted from its original format.
Fitbit, the leader in the Connected Health and Fitness category, today announced a three-year partnership with parkrun U.K., a not-for-profit running organization. As the official fitness tracker sponsor of parkrun UK, Fitbit will offer its market-leading devices and software expertise to parkrun’s active community of runners, empowering parkrunners with the information they need to reach their performance and training objectives.
parkrun holds free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. The runs are open to everyone, and take place in parkland surroundings where people at all levels of fitness are encouraged to take part – from those with no experience to Olympians. There are currently 330 parkrun locations across the U.K. To date, more than 680,000 people have taken part in parkrun events.
Tom Williams, Managing Director, parkrun UK added, “We’re excited to bring Fitbit devices to the parkrun community to help users get more out of their runs and training sessions, in addition to providing encouragement to be more active all week long. From smashing their fitness goals during the working week, showing real time step counts during a parkrun, or simply walking with the family, Fitbit devices are a perfect fit for all parkrunners.”
By supporting events like parkrun, Fitbit is helping to provide positive experiences for runners of all levels to train and reach their goals by empowering them with data, inspiration and guidance through the Fitbit connected platform. The Fitbit platform combines connected health and fitness devices with software and services, including an online dashboard and mobile apps, data analytics, motivational and social tools, personalized insights, and virtual coaching through customized fitness plans and interactive workouts. With devices like Fitbit Charge HR and Fitbit Surge that offer PurePulse heart-rate tracking technology, these trackers help active and performance parkrunners monitor workout intensity with simplified heart rate zones and track more accurate calorie burn, as well as use GPS-based distance, pace and elevation stats on Fitbit Surge to train more effectively.
For additional inspiration and encouragement, parkrunners will receive exclusive training tips, healthy lifestyle guides and motivational challenges from Fitbit and its ambassadors, including four-time Ironman Triathlon World Champion Chrissie Wellington and Olympian, physical activity expert and renowned sport scientist Professor Greg Whyte.
By the end of the year, Fitbit and parkrun UK will also give runners the opportunity to link their Fitbit accounts to the parkrun results for added competition and challenges, providing greater awareness of their progress during parkruns, as well as getting insights into their overall health from the moment they wake and all through the night. More information, tips and information can be found via the Fitbit parkrun community on Facebook and via www.parkrun.org.uk.
