Running 24 separate 5-kilometer parkruns in just 24 hours sounds excessive, even by endurance sports standards. But for a growing group of Australian runners, that is exactly the point.
Known simply as “24 Parkruns in 24 Hours,” the challenge has evolved into a grassroots charity event held across multiple states, combining long-distance running, logistical chaos, and community fundraising.
“Nothing official. Nothing sanctioned. Just all good ‘organised’ chaos between a great group of mates and all for a magnificent local cause,” the organizers say.
A Challenge Born in Perth
The idea dates back to 2017, when a small group of runners in Western Australia set themselves a goal: complete 16 parkruns in a single day around Perth.
“At the time, 16 was the magical number,” organizers explain. “Parkruns were a little more scarce in those days and travel time was rather extreme.”
As parkruns expanded rapidly across Australia, the challenge naturally grew. Completing 24 parkruns, totaling 120 kilometers, within 24 hours soon became the benchmark. While still unofficial, the format has now been repeated across Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, and Tasmania.
Unsanctioned, Self-Supported, and Intentionally So
The event operates as a “fatass” run, a term used in ultrarunning for fully self-supported efforts. Apart from the first parkrun of the day, which follows standard parkrun procedures, nothing is formally organized or sanctioned.
Participants rely on shared spreadsheets, suggested timetables, and volunteer hosts to keep things moving. Each runner is responsible for their own transport, navigation, food, recovery, and safety.
“We must stress that these charity runs are nothing sanctioned and nothing official,” organizers note. “Ultra Series accepts no liability whatsoever for these fatass runs and each runner is responsible for their own self care.”
Only those who complete all 24 parkruns within the time limit are added to an informal “honour roll.”
Running for Charity
Despite its informal nature, the event has a clear purpose: fundraising.
Each state selects a charity important to its local running community. Participants are encouraged to donate a suggested $24 entry fee, whether they run one parkrun or all 24.
During the Perth edition, runners raised money for On My Feet, a charity supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“The whole purpose of this 24 parkruns in 24 hours is actually for charity,” one participant said in a video documenting the event. “It’s for On My Feet, which is for homelessness and people that are at risk of being homeless. It’s for a good cause and I think it’s going to be pretty cool.”
Inside the 24-Hour Effort
The Perth run offered a clear picture of what the challenge entails. Runners moved between parks by car, often starting new 5K efforts with little rest. Some aimed for all 24 parkruns, while others joined for shorter stretches.
One runner described the atmosphere as both punishing and inspiring.
“This event invokes some kind of deep respect that kicks me right in the soul and hurts my stomach,” said Kyle, a Western Australia participant.
Elite and recreational runners mixed freely. One athlete, Liam, attempted all 24 parkruns, covering roughly 120 kilometers.
“He’s doing all 24 parks, which will get him to 120ks, which is absolutely insane,” another runner said. “That’s not a normal first ultra.”
Overnight fatigue, navigation challenges, wind, heat, and sleep deprivation were all part of the experience. Some runners skipped parkruns to rest, then rejoined later. Others pushed straight through.
By sunrise, many were visibly exhausted but still moving.
“It’s honestly amazing to see how many people are still getting behind it and ticking through the kilometers,” one participant said. “It’s very inspirational seeing all these people running for different reasons.”
A Growing Community Event
While only a handful of runners complete all 24 parkruns, many more participate in parts of the challenge. Organizers emphasize that completing fewer runs is just as welcome.
“If you fall behind the schedules, feel free to skip a parkrun or two and join in again where you desire,” the guidelines state.
As parkruns continue to expand across Australia, organizers say the format will remain flexible, informal, and community-driven.
Seven years after its inception, what began as a “crazy idea between a couple of mates” has become a recurring test of endurance, planning, and generosity, one that continues to attract runners looking for something harder than a single finish line.
