Laura Kenny Participates in National Lottery Open Week Event

Dame Laura Kenny, a five-time Olympic gold medallist, raised the question of community engagement in sports during her participation in the Alderley Park parkrun on March 17, 2026. She answered it by emphasizing the importance of events like parkrun, which fosters a sense of belonging among participants.

The parkrun event was part of the National Lottery Open Week, which took place from March 7 to 15. More than 1,300 parkruns and junior parkruns across the UK are supported by National Lottery funding, which raises approximately £32 million each week through player contributions.

During her visit, Dame Laura Kenny expressed her love for living in the area, stating, “I love living in the area and was delighted to come to parkrun today to celebrate National Lottery Open Week.” Her presence at the event highlighted the role of sports in bringing communities together.

“Parkrun brings everyone together. It doesn’t matter how fast you are or how fit you are, anyone can attend,” she added, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the event. The atmosphere was described as infectious, with Tamara Morewood noting, “Her passion for getting people active and enjoying the outdoors was incredibly infectious and it made today’s event feel really special.”

Jane Morewood also remarked on the positive reactions from participants, saying, “The reaction from everyone was just wonderful. You could see their smiles from a mile off.” Such sentiments reflect the community spirit that events like parkrun aim to cultivate.

Dame Laura Kenny, who is also the president of Team England, is currently training for the London Marathon, further showcasing her commitment to fitness and community involvement. Her participation in the parkrun serves as an inspiration for many to engage in physical activities.

As the National Lottery Open Week continues to promote sports and community events, the impact of figures like Dame Laura Kenny remains significant in encouraging public participation. The future of such initiatives looks promising, but details remain unconfirmed regarding further events or expansions in the program.