March 21st 2024.
When Dr. Hussain Al-Zubaidi gave a thumbs up before a run, it was a small gesture that represented so much more. As a GP, he saw his fair share of patients and treated a variety of physical and mental ailments. But what he found to be most important was simply listening to his patients. That's how he was able to understand the root cause of their problems.
One patient, Seamus*, came to him in February last year feeling depressed, isolated, and disconnected. Dr. Al-Zubaidi knew that medication would not be a long-term solution for Seamus, especially after he explained that his recent separation from his wife had left him alone and living far away from his children. Instead, Dr. Al-Zubaidi suggested something that he knew could make a real difference – parkrun.
Parkrun, a free 5K walk, jog, or run held every Saturday at 9am in public spaces across the UK, had become a huge phenomenon since its launch in 2004. Dr. Al-Zubaidi had personally experienced the benefits of parkrun when he started attending in 2016. At the time, he was overweight, sedentary, and struggling with fatty liver disease. With no specific medication to treat his condition, he was advised to make healthy lifestyle changes. That's when a colleague suggested parkrun to him.
Dr. Al-Zubaidi's first parkrun experience in October 2018 was nerve-wracking. He hadn't run any distance in seven or eight years and had never completed a 5K before. But as he ran alongside others, he felt a sense of joy and community that he had been missing. Of course, the exhaustion soon set in, but with the support of his wife, he pushed through and crossed the finish line.
The sense of community and accomplishment that Dr. Al-Zubaidi felt at his first parkrun inspired him to make small changes in other areas of his life. He started eating healthier, moving more regularly, and saw a transformation in his health and confidence. He was so impressed by the impact of parkrun on his own life that he wanted to share it with others.
So when parkrun launched its 'Practice Initiative' in 2018, which aimed to engage both staff and patients of GP surgeries, Dr. Al-Zubaidi was eager to get involved. He started by leaving parkrun magazines in the waiting area of his surgery and encouraging his colleagues to volunteer at the Saturday sessions. The results were astounding – his patients saw improvements in their menopausal symptoms, diabetic control, and overall mental health.
This year, Metro has partnered with parkrun to bring a new content series that aims to elevate, champion, and support mental health and societal cohesion. As the first official media partner for parkrun, Metro will share stories of those who have found their calling, community, or had their lives changed through the simple act of lacing up their trainers. And the best part? Parkrun is free and you only need to register once.
Dr. Al-Zubaidi is now the Royal College of GPs physical activity lead, supporting other surgeries to become parkrun practices. He believes that parkrun could benefit countless lives if more GP surgeries got involved. With physical inactivity contributing to as many deaths as smoking in the UK, and around 26% of men and 27% of women classified as sedentary, physical activity is crucial in preventing and managing chronic illnesses.
As a GP, Dr. Al-Zubaidi has seen firsthand how physical activity can help patients with multiple health problems. And with no cost or side effects, he believes that prescribing parkrun is a no-brainer. He has already prescribed it to hundreds of his patients, including Seamus, who initially found it perplexing, but now regularly attends parkrun events and credits it for improving his mental health.
Dr. Al-Zubaidi is constantly inspired by the positive impact that parkrun has on his patients and community. And as a nation, he believes that we need to get more active. With over 1,200 events across the UK, parkrun welcomes everyone – patients, practitioners, runners, and non-runners. Dr. Al-Zubaidi invites all to join him at the starting line and experience the joy and benefits of parkrun.
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