What starts as a simple Saturday-morning 5k can grow into a life of community-building, adventure… and purpose.

In this episode of The Parkrunners Podcast, I’m joined by the remarkable Chris Seymour — co-founder of parkrun New Zealand and the founder of Queenstown parkrun (my personal favourite parkrun outside of Bushy Park!). Chris is also one of a tiny group**  worldwide to complete the legendary Marathon Grand Slam — including running a marathon at the North Pole and in Antarctica.

But this isn’t just a story about extraordinary start lines. It’s about how parkrun creates belonging, how community fuels resilience, and how running can become a powerful force for good — including Chris’s charitable mission Run Over MLD, inspired by his great-niece Cori.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• How parkrun captured Chris’s heart — and why he helped grow it in New Zealand
• The story behind launching Queenstown parkrun and what makes it so special
• What it’s really like to run at the North Pole and in Antarctica
• The mindset behind big goals — and the quiet power of simply showing up
• How Chris has used running to raise awareness and funds through Run Over MLD  

🎧 Listen now, and if this episode resonates, please follow/subscribe and share it with a parkrunner (or future parkrunner) who needs a lift today.

** 192 athletes worldwide who have conquered marathons on 7 continents + the North Pole Marathon® 

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