Connected health and fitness firm Fitbit has begun a three-year partnership with Parkrun UK, the UKs biggest regular running event, acting as the official fitness tracker sponsor of the non-profit organisation and offering its devices and software expertise to Parkruns community of runners.

Parkrun holds free weekly 5km timed runs around the world, with 336 locations currently active across the UK. The runs are open to all levels of athlete, from those just starting out to trained Olympians, and encourage members to enjoy running in parkland surroundings with a community of like-minded individuals.

Fitbit will provide Parkrun members with exclusive training tips, healthy lifestyle guides and motivational challenges, with health and fitness content provided by the companys ambassadors, who include four-time Ironman Triathlon world champion Chrissie Wellington and sports scientist and former Olympian Greg Whyte.

Parkrun members will also be able to link their Fitbit account to their Parkrun results by the end of the year, enabling them to unlock additional competitions and challenges, providing greater awareness of their progress during runs, and getting better insights into their overall health.

“Were excited to bring Fitbit devices to the Parkrun community to help users get more out of their runs and training sessions, in addition to providing encouragment to be more active all week long,” said Tom Williams, managing director of Parkrun UK. “From smashing their fitness goals during the working week, showing real time step counts during a parkrun, or simply walking with the family, Fitbit devices are a perfect fit for all Parkrunners.”