Addleshaw Goddard has advised parkrun on its acquisition of the popular ‘5k’ app from Michael Clayton (Clayton Industries). The transaction, which is expected to complete on 1 December, brings the app into the parkrun family as part of a wider digital transformation strategy.

Over the next three months, parkrun will work with Michael Clayton to transition ownership and future development of the app in-house. The app is set to evolve into a one-stop digital platform, providing the whole parkrun community with registration, event information, in-app communications, and tailored user journeys.

Michael Clayton, founder of the app and incoming member of the parkrun staff team, said:

Lil Duggan, Interim CEO of parkrun, added:

“We’re thrilled to welcome the ‘5k’ app and its founder Michael into the parkrun family. It presents a huge opportunity to create an enhanced digital experience for parkrunners and to transform the way we communicate with the entire parkrun community.”

Alex Stevens, Managing Associate at Addleshaw Goddard, commented:

“It has been a pleasure to support parkrun on this exciting milestone. The integration of the ‘5k’ app will not only enhance the digital experience for millions of parkrunners around the world, but also strengthen the way parkrun engages with its community. We are proud to have advised on a deal that supports parkrun’s mission of inclusivity, wellbeing, and community spirit, and look forward to seeing the positive impact this development will bring.”

The Addleshaw Goddard team was led by Alex Stevens  and supported by partner Carly Gulliver.