What began as a simple idea during a year-long exchange in Japan has grown into a thriving community initiative. Drew Gallagher, a final-year BSc Biomedical Sciences with Modern Languages student at the University of Manchester, founded Hattori Ryokuchi parkrun while studying at The University of Osaka, with the aim of bringing people together through physical activity.

Thanks to Drew’s vision, determination and leadership, the event has become a successful weekly parkrun that continues to foster connection, wellbeing and community spirit. Their efforts demonstrate how one student’s initiative can create a meaningful and lasting impact.

From securing permissions with park authorities to planning the 5km course, recruiting volunteers, building local support and promoting the event, Drew led the development of the parkrun from the ground up, creating an inclusive event that brings people together through exercise, volunteering and connection.

Now running for over a year, the event has attracted 2,500 participants and over 100 volunteers, demonstrating its strong and growing impact within the local community. While attendance figures provide one measure of success, the true impact of Hattori Ryokuchi parkrun lies in its contribution to community cohesion. The weekly event has become far more than a run, it is a social hub where individuals of all ages and abilities come together to connect. 

Reflecting on her experience, Drew highlights developing the confidence to engage with others and put herself forward as one of the most valuable outcomes of leading the initiative.

Drew’s commitment to creating positive change has been recognised at the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Awards winning first place in the Students Supporting the Wider Community category, alongside the President’s Medal for Social Responsibility. By identifying a need, mobilising others and creating an inclusive and sustainable initiative, Drew has demonstrated how social responsibility can be embedded to engage communities.