Fitbit and Parkrun team up for 5k inspiration

Fitbit has announced that it is partnering up with UK fun run organisers Parkrun.

Parkrun is a non-profit organisation that organises free timed runs over 5k on Saturdays, and 2k on Sundays (ages 4 to 14), at over 336 local parks around the country.

While it's only the Fitbit Surge that can accurately track runs, thanks to its GPS connectivity, Fitbit is hoping that Flex, Charge and Charge HR users will get involved too with training tips, lifestyle guides and expert tuition all on offer across the ecosystem.

Wareable guide: Using wearable tech to get up and running

The fitness tracker expert has enlisted four-time Ironman Triathlon World Champion Chrissie Wellington and sport scientist Professor Greg Whyte to provide advice for wearers of its devices.

"We're 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 encouragement to be more active all week long," said Tom Williams, Parkrun MD.

"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."

Fitbit also states by the end of 2015 runners will be able to sync their Parkrun stats directly with the Fitbit app.

Earlier this year Wareable contributing editor Sophie Charara embarked on a couch to 5k challenge and, while she was making good use of GPS running watches in the latter stages, she found general fitness trackers useful for inspiration.

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