Penallta parkrun chosen for national diabetes campaign

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A Wales-wide effort to combat diabetes will see runners and walkers descend on Parc Penallta this month.

The parkrun event, organised by Diabetes UK Cymru, health boards, and Public Health Wales, aims to encourage physical activity to help prevent type 2 diabetes and support those managing the condition.

It is being held on Saturday November 14, with events taking place across Wales as part of the national diabetes parkrun and parkwalk initiative.

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Penallta is one of seven featured locations, alongside courses in Cardiff, Pontypridd, Neath, Carmarthen, Llangollen, and Newtown.

Participants are invited to walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate.

Sean Newton, of Diabetes UK Cymru said: “While everyone’s experience of diabetes is different, this event is a chance for people to come together, get active and support one another. Whether you’re living with diabetes, looking to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, or simply want to improve your health, everyone is welcome.

“As well as encouraging people to get active, the day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes, highlight the support available, and remind people of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes – Toilet, Thirsty, Tired and Thinner, known as the 4Ts.”

David Taylor, transformation director for the Tackling Diabetes Together Programme, said: “Around one in five adults in Wales is now living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, making this one of the most significant public health challenges facing our nation.

“The good news is that many of the actions that help prevent type 2 diabetes and support people to live well with diabetes are things we can build into everyday life.”

He continued: “This event is about making those actions visible, achievable and accessible. It’s also an opportunity to help people understand their risk of type 2 diabetes and the support available at every stage.

“By bringing communities together across Wales, we’re showing that improving our health can start with something as simple as taking a walk.”

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