Recovery community joins Woodhouse Moor parkrun for fourth year running

People from across Leeds came together at Woodhouse Moor parkrun on Saturday to celebrate recovery from alcohol and drug issues as part of Recovery Month.

The popular weekly 5k event once again dedicated a parkrun to recovery, marking the fourth consecutive year that runners, walkers and volunteers from the city’s recovery community have been welcomed as part of the celebrations.

Members of the Forward Leeds community, Recovery Runners and people in recovery from across the district took part in the event alongside regular parkrun participants. Staff and residents from St Anne’s Community Services Detox and Rehabilitation Service also played a key role, volunteering throughout the morning and helping ensure the event ran smoothly.

The event highlighted the positive role that physical activity, community connections and volunteering can play in supporting long-term recovery and wellbeing.

The event also provided an opportunity for people at different stages of their recovery journeys to meet, share experiences and celebrate achievements.

Woodhouse Moor parkrun Event Director Anne Akers welcomed the continued partnership with the recovery community.

Forward Leeds’ Group Worker Michael Waters spoke to the runners before the event. Michael said the event had become an important date in the recovery calendar.

He said: “This was the fourth year we’ve been part of the Recovery parkrun and it’s amazing to see how it has grown. Recovery is about much more than stopping alcohol or drug use. It’s about building a healthy, meaningful and connected life.

“Events like this bring people together, reduce isolation and show what’s possible in recovery. We’re grateful to the Woodhouse Moor parkrun team for their continued support and to everyone who took part or volunteered.”

Following the run, participants gathered to chat, celebrate and enjoy refreshments, with many reflecting on the sense of achievement and community spirit that has become a hallmark of the annual event.

Recovery Month takes place every September and is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of people recovering from alcohol and drug dependence while challenging stigma and raising awareness of the support available.

The continued success of the Recovery parkrun demonstrates the strong partnership between local recovery services, community groups and volunteers, and the important role they play in helping people build positive futures.