Medibank and parkrun celebrate 10-year partnership

Medibank is celebrating its 10-year partnership with parkrun Australia, marking a decade of bringing local communities together every Saturday morning to walk, run, volunteer or spectate while supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.

A major partner since 2016 and presenting partner since 2022, Medibank has supported parkrun’s growth to more than 550 locations nationwide with over 1.3 million local participants and 204,000 volunteers.

The impact of the partnership can be seen not only in participation numbers, but in the role parkrun plays in supporting healthier, more connected communities. parkrun is increasingly being recognised as part of ‘social prescribing’ where health care extends beyond clinical treatment to include community-based activities that can help improve physical and mental wellbeing.

Medibank Chief Executive Officer David Koczkar said the long-standing partnership forms a key part of Medibank’s commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of all people in Australia.

“Our 2030 vision is to deliver the best health and wellbeing experience for Australia, an ambition that is shared with parkrun,” said Mr Koczkar.

“Not only does parkrun create the opportunity for regular movement, it provides a place for people to form meaningful social connections, which play a key role in supporting mental fitness.

“Over the years, we’ve expanded our support for parkrun communities, from rewarding our members for participating in parkrun through Live Better Rewards to offering free health checks as part of our Medibank Live Better van tours, we’re proud of the impact of our work together.”

parkrun Asia Pacific’s Managing Director Renee Gimbert said the partnership had played a significant role in its national growth.

"We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support that Medibank has provided to parkrun Australia over the past 10 years,” said Ms Gimbert.

In that time, we have launched 380 new locations and extended our health and wellbeing impact by introducing parkrun to correctional facilities, military bases and universities.

“Thanks to Medibank's contribution, we launched 40 parkruns in 40 weeks in 2018, kicked off a national parkrun road trip in 2023 and have shared countless stories from people whose lives have been changed by the parkrun community.”

The milestone was celebrated on Saturday 27 June at Curl Curl parkrun where more than 600 participants gathered to enjoy a free breakfast, massages, give-aways and live music, celebrating the role parkrun plays in helping people stay active and connected.

parkrun is a community-led organisation helping more than 1.3 million participants across Australia stay active, connected and energised in the outdoors. Held every Saturday morning at over 550 locations around Australia, parkrun is a free 5km community event that sees up to 100,000 walkers, runners and volunteers participating each week.

Medibank Live Better vans not available at all parkrun locations. View the Medibank vans upcoming visits here.