29/08/2026
What a fantastic morning to celebrate one whole year of 5K Your Way at Dover Waterfront parkrun!
A year ago, we started this little community with a simple idea: come along, move in whatever way feels right for you, and most importantly, do it together. And look at what we've created!
Over the past year, we've walked, jogged, run, socialised, laughed, encouraged each other, and enjoyed a few well-earned coffees and cakes afterwards too!
For me personally, 5K Your Way means so much more than just getting together on the last Saturday morning of every month. I'm a cancer survivor, so I know personally that cancer can affect so many parts of your life.
That's why I'm so proud that this is a community where anyone affected by cancer is welcome. Whether you're living with cancer, recovering from treatment, supporting someone you love, remembering someone special, or simply want to show your support, there is a place here for you.
What makes 5K Your Way so special isn't about how fast you go or whether you run the whole 5K. It's about turning up, being part of the community and supporting one another.
There have been good days, difficult days, and everything in between. But every last Saturday of the month, there has been a friendly face, a warm welcome and someone ready to say, "Come on, you can do this."
So today is a huge thank-you to everyone who has been part of our first year - Ashford Tri Club for helping us get started, for sponsoring us and for regularly coming to volunteer. They are a huge part of our group. Thank you to the port of Dover, the people who come regularly, the people who pop in when they can, our wonderful ambassadors, the parkrun core team, my friends and family and everyone who has helped make 5K Your Way what it is.
And of course, thank you to everyone who came today and for making this community so welcoming and special.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who has been affected by cancer and has allowed us to share a little part of their journey. We may all have different stories, but we can stand together as one community.
Here's to the next year of 5K Your Way at Dover Waterfront - more smiles, more friendships, more encouragement, more people discovering that they don't have to face things alone. and plenty more reasons to celebrate.
Happy 1st birthday, 5K Your Way! ๐
