Join your local parkrun for Diabetes Awareness Week

02 June 2026

Staff from Hywel Dda University Health Board’s diabetes team are encouraging colleagues, patients and local communities to take part in parkrun events as part of Diabetes Awareness Week (8–14 June 2026).

On Saturday 13 June 2026, members of the health board’s diabetes team will take part in parkruns in Aberystwyth, Haverfordwest and Llanelli. They are encouraging people living with all types of diabetes, as well as their friends, families and carers, to come along and get involved.

Parkrun is a free, friendly community event where people of all ages and abilities can walk, jog, run or volunteer. The 5km events take place every Saturday morning and are open to everyone, making them an accessible way to get active and connect with others.

Sarah Murray, Type 2 Diabetes Clinical Lead at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Parkrun is a fantastic opportunity for people to get moving in a supportive, welcoming environment.

“You don’t have to run; walking, volunteering or cheering others on are all part of what makes parkrun so special.

“Staff from the health board’s diabetes team are looking forward to joining the parkruns in Aberystwyth, Haverfordwest and Llanelli as part of Diabetes Awareness Week.

“We hope to see many familiar faces there, whether you are living with diabetes, at risk, or if you simply want to support your health and wellbeing.”

Diabetes is a serious condition where the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high. This can happen when the body does not produce enough insulin or when the insulin it produces does not work effectively.

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin, while those with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly. There are also other types of diabetes, including gestational diabetes during pregnancy, as well as less common forms such as type 3c, MODY and LADA.

When glucose cannot move properly into the body’s cells, it builds up in the blood, which can lead to a range of health problems over time.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Being physically active, such as taking part in regular walking or running, can play an important role in managing diabetes and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

“Parkrun events are a great example of a community-based initiative that supports both physical and mental wellbeing. It’s free, inclusive, and open to all abilities, offering different ways to take part, making it an accessible way for people to build regular physical activity into their lives or volunteer in their local communities.”

Common symptoms of diabetes include needing to go to the toilet more often, especially at night; feeling very thirsty; feeling more tired than usual; losing weight without trying; experiencing genital itching or thrush; slow-healing cuts or wounds; and blurred vision. Symptoms can vary, but it is important not to ignore them.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of diabetes is encouraged to contact their GP and ask for a blood test.

Whether walking, jogging, running, volunteering or spectating, taking part in your local parkrun is a simple way to support your health.

There are 11 parkrun events across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire every Saturday, as well as 2km junior parkruns, dedicated to 4-14 year olds and their families, every Sunday morning.

Anyone wishing to join simply needs to register in advance at www.parkrun.org.uk (opens in new tab) and bring their personal barcode on the day. Events usually begin at 9:00am, but participants are encouraged to check their local parkrun webpage for details and arrive in good time.

For more information about diabetes, symptoms and treatment visit https://phw.nhs.wales/topic/diabetes/ (opens in new tab) and for information and support to help you get and stay healthy visit hduhb.nhs.wales/staying-healthy (opens in new tab)