The charity behind the Parkrun movement increased its total income by almost 30 per cent last year after a huge rise in retail and advertising revenue, latest accounts show.

The accounts, for the year to the end of January 2024, show Parkrun Global’s total income rose from £7.2m in 2022/23 to £9.4m last year. 

The accounts say that retail income was up by 40 per cent year on year, as funds from retail sales and advertising rose from £2.3m in 2022/23 to £3.8m. 

The charity said its retail income increase had been driven by a rise in traffic to its shop, which exceeded one million visitors in a 12-month period for the first time.

Corporate sponsorship income also increased, to £3.1m in 2023/24 from £2.6m in the previous year.

The charity’s spending rose by almost 32 per cent from £7.3m in 2022/23 to £9.6m last year.

“The increase in expenditure is represented by an increase in headcount as part of our planned growth strategy,” the accounts said.

“We have also had a full year of our retail offering being sold via the Parkrun shop, so we are now bearing the full costs of our retail products, rather than receiving a commission from third-party suppliers.

“We expect to see continued growth in income and expenditure as Parkrun continues to grow around the world in line with our five-year strategy.”

The charity’s staff numbers went up to 56 in 2023/24 from 49 in 2022/23 and staff costs increased to £3.5m from £2.7m.