How to Find Your Parkrun Number (Athlete ID and Barcode)

If you're new to parkrun or haven't been in a while, finding your parkrun number – that's the athlete ID starting with "A", like A1234567 – is straightforward once you know where to look. This number is printed under your barcode and it's what events use to record your time and track your progress. This guide explains everything step by step, including what parkrun is, why the barcode matters, and some practical tips. Last updated December 19, 2025.

A Bit About Parkrun

Parkrun started back in 2004 when Paul Sinton-Hewitt organised a small timed run in Bushy Park, London. He was recovering from an injury and wanted a way for friends to run together without pressure. It had just 13 runners and a few volunteers that first day. Now, over 20 years later, there are more than 2,300 events in 23 countries, with over 11 million people registered worldwide.

The idea is simple: every Saturday morning, free 5k events happen in parks and open spaces. You can run, jog, walk or volunteer. There's no time limit, and it's open to everyone – fast runners, beginners, families with buggies, people with dogs (at some events), and walkers. Junior parkrun is a 2k version for 4-14 year olds on Sundays.

Events rely completely on volunteers, and the whole thing is free thanks to donations and sponsors.

Why You Need Your Parkrun Number and Barcode

When you finish a parkrun, volunteers give you a finish token with your position. Then you get scanned: they scan your personal barcode and the token. This links your time to your profile.

The official rule is "no barcode, no time" – meaning if you don't have a scannable barcode, you can still take part but your result won't be recorded. You won't show up in the results email or on your profile.

Your athlete ID (the A number) is what identifies you. It's used for everything: results, milestones (like free t-shirts after 50, 100 or 250 runs), and stats.

How to Register If You're New

Registration is a one-time thing and it's completely free. Here's what happens when you sign up:

You go to the parkrun website for your country (parkrun.org.uk in the UK) and click "Register" at the top. The form asks for basic details:

Your full name
Email address
Date of birth
Emergency contact
Optional: your preferred home parkrun

Once you submit it, you'll get a confirmation email – usually within minutes, but check your spam folder if it doesn't appear. The email includes your barcode ready to print or download, and your athlete ID is shown right underneath it.

If you're registering a child for junior parkrun, use the junior section – they get their own barcode and ID. After this, you're registered worldwide and can turn up to any event.

How to Find Your Existing Parkrun Number and Barcode

If you've registered before but can't get in, don't worry – there are a few reliable ways to recover everything.

The main route is to visit parkrun.com/signin (works for all countries). Enter your registration email and password. If you've forgotten the password, use the reset link – it'll email you instructions and often include your ID number too.

If you're not sure which email you used:

Try common ones you have
Or use the barcode reminder tool at parkrun.com/barcodereminder – enter possible emails and it will send a profile link if it finds a match

Once logged in, go to the "Barcode" section in your profile. Your barcode appears on screen, with the athlete ID directly below it. You can print or download from there.

Other shortcuts include:

Checking old parkrun emails (results or newsletters often have a "manage my profile" link)
Searching your inbox for your original registration confirmation

If nothing works, contact parkrun support through their help pages – they'll verify your details and sort it out.

Ways to Carry Your Barcode

Getting your barcode to the event reliably makes things easier for you and the volunteers. Here are the most common options people use:

Printed on paper: Easy to start with, but it can get damaged by rain, sweat or being crumpled in a pocket.
On your phone: Save a screenshot or the PDF – most events happily scan phone screens if it's bright and clear.
Digital wallet: Add it to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet using free online converters for quick access.
Smartwatch: Many Garmin, Apple Watch or other models have apps or widgets to display the barcode on your wrist.
Official app: The free parkrun 5k app shows a QR code version that's quick to scan.
Durable physical options: Some runners prefer something more robust than paper or digital screens. Parkrun offers official wristbands, tags, and flat plastic cards through their online shop. Here at The Card Project UK, we make personalised biodegradable plastic ID cards where you can add your parkrun athlete ID and barcode—they're weatherproof, durable for regular use, and eco-friendly.

If your barcode won't scan on the day (maybe it's dirty or faded), volunteers can sometimes enter your name and ID manually, but a good backup avoids holding up the queue. Whatever method you pick, test it beforehand if possible.

What to Expect at Your First Parkrun

Turning up for the first time is simpler than it might seem. Start by finding your local event on the parkrun website – there's a search tool with maps and course info.

Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early. Look for these stages:

First-timers' welcome: A short briefing where volunteers explain the route, hazards and answer questions – great if you're unsure.
Main briefing: For everyone, covering any last-minute info.
The start: Position yourself by pace (faster at front, walkers at back) and go when the timer starts.

On the course:

Go at your own speed – walking is fine, and tail walkers stay at the back so no one finishes last.
Families, buggies and dogs (where allowed) are all welcome.

At the finish:

Stay in order and take a position token.
Get scanned (token + barcode).
Hand the token back.
Results come by email later that day.

Many events have a cafe or social spot nearby afterwards – sticking around for a drink or chat is common and part of the community feel. No special kit needed – just comfortable shoes and your barcode.

Common Questions

Is parkrun really free?

Yes, completely – there are no entry fees or hidden costs at all. It's funded by voluntary donations and sponsors, so you can participate as often as you like without paying anything.

What if I forget my barcode?

You can still join in and complete the course, but you won't get an official timed result – you'll appear as "unknown" in the records. Just take a finish token if offered, and enjoy the event anyway.

Is it only for fast runners?

Not at all – walking the whole way is actively encouraged, and there's even a parkwalk initiative to welcome walkers. Average finish times are around 30-35 minutes, with many people taking longer.

Can children join?

Yes, children can participate in regular 5k events with a responsible adult. For younger ones, junior parkrun on Sundays is a 2k event specifically for 4-14 year olds, with parents able to run alongside if needed.

Can I bring my dog?

It depends on the event – many allow one well-behaved dog on a short, hand-held lead, but check your local event's course page for details, as some courses aren't suitable.

Do I have to volunteer?

No, not every time you go, but volunteering is what keeps events running smoothly. It's easy to get involved – roles like cheering as a marshal or handing out tokens are great for beginners, and you can often volunteer on days you participate too.

What if my event is cancelled?

Cancellations happen occasionally due to weather or other issues – check the event's news page or social media on the morning, or sign up for email alerts from your home parkrun.

For anything else, the official parkrun support pages have detailed answers.

For anything else, the official parkrun support pages have detailed answers – they cover everything from updating your details to understanding results and milestones.

Parkrun is all about getting people active in a supportive, no-pressure way. Whether you end up running, jogging, walking, or volunteering, it's a great community to be part of. Find your local event, bring your barcode, and see how it goes. Thousands of people do it every weekend, and most say the hardest part is turning up the first time. Once you're there, the rest is straightforward.

Enjoy your parkrun!