A generic model of life satisfaction: The case study of parkrun

Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5 km run or walk with the aim of creating ‘a healthier, happier planet’. The aim of this study is to use a survey of parkrun to create a model of life satisfaction that can be used by other initiatives seeking (1) to evaluate them using the WELLBY approach, and (2) to create logic models for change in life satisfaction. A cross-sectional survey was sent in autumn 2024–967,478 UK parkrunners producing 78,662 responses. A model was hypothesised and tested using non-linear multiple stepwise regression analysis. Health status was found to have a very large non-linear effect on life satisfaction, primarily related to mental health. Life satisfaction was moderated by age, time registered with parkrun, gender, activity level and index of multiple deprivation. Change in activity level following parkrun participation was found to have a small effect, while the number of runs or walks completed per person had a very small effect. Estimated economic benefits of parkrun to the UK economy were estimated to be £668m. This included £75m for the number of runs or walks completed (£1.92 per run or walk per person), £132m for the increase in activity after participation, and £463m for an estimated improvement to health status of 3% (found in a previous study). The benefit-cost ratio was 53:1 if the estimated increase to health status was included and 16:1 if it was ignored. In terms of health promotion, the model suggested that life satisfaction could be increased most by focussing on sub-populations in the following order: those with very poor, poor and fair health status; those in early middle age; the least active; males; and those from deprived neighbourhoods. Finally, a protocol was described to allow initiatives to create their own simple logic models and their own evaluations.

How Parkrun Boosts Life Satisfaction and Economic Benefits in the UK

What is it about?

The study conducted a cross-sectional survey targeting 967,478 UK parkrunners, yielding 78,662 responses, to develop a model of life satisfaction using non-linear multiple stepwise regression analysis. The primary aim was to evaluate the impact of parkrun participation on life satisfaction and to create a model applicable to other wellbeing initiatives. The research identified health status, particularly mental health, as having a significant non-linear effect on life satisfaction, with other moderating factors including age, time registered, gender, activity level, and deprivation index. A small effect was noted for changes in activity levels post-parkrun, while the number of completed events had an even smaller impact. The study estimated the economic benefits of parkrun to the UK economy at £668 million, with a benefit-cost ratio of 53:1 when including health status improvements. The model suggested targeted health promotion could most effectively increase life satisfaction by focusing on individuals with poor health, early middle-aged individuals, less active participants, males, and those from deprived areas.

Why is it important?

This study is important as it provides a comprehensive model for understanding the impact of community physical activities like parkrun on life satisfaction. By utilizing the WELLBY approach, the research offers valuable insights into the economic and health benefits of such initiatives, showcasing their potential to improve public wellbeing beyond traditional economic measures like GDP. The findings emphasize the importance of mental health and social factors in enhancing life satisfaction, providing a framework for evaluating and optimizing health promotion strategies aimed at diverse populations. This approach can guide other initiatives in creating effective logic models to assess and enhance life satisfaction across different communities.

Key Takeaways:

1. Health Status and Life Satisfaction: The research identifies that health status, particularly mental health, has a very large non-linear effect on life satisfaction, suggesting that interventions targeting mental wellbeing could significantly enhance overall life satisfaction.

2. Economic Impact: The study estimates that parkrun contributes £668 million to the UK economy, with substantial benefits derived from improved health status and increased physical activity levels, highlighting the economic value of community-based health initiatives.

3. Target Populations for Improvement: The model suggests that life satisfaction improvements can be maximized by focusing on sub-populations such as those with poor health, early middle-aged individuals, the least active, males, and residents of deprived neighborhoods, providing targeted strategies for health promotion.