parkrun Managing Director Tom Williams to receive honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University

The award recognises his outstanding contribution to amateur sports as a leading figure in the parkrun fitness movement.

As a volunteer, Tom helped to establish the fourth UK parkrun in Leeds, before joining the organisation as an employee in 2011, and has progressed within the organisation to reach senior leadership positions.

In 2005, Tom earned his master's degree in Sport and Exercise Science from Leeds Beckett University before taking up a post as Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science at The University of Leeds. During this time, Tom helped establish the Woodhouse Moor parkrun, as well as the Hyde Park Harriers running club.

On receiving the award, Tom Williams said: "It's a wonderful honour to receive this award, particularly as my time studying at Leeds Beckett was so influential in shaping the following 20 years of my life. I also feel incredibly proud to have my name alongside all those people previously recognised in this way, many of whom have been incredible sources of inspiration for me personally."

Leeds Beckett University Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Slee, said: "Tom's contribution to the world of physical activity promotion cannot be understated. What began as a drive to get people running around Woodhouse Moor has taken him to the very top of a charity with global recognition. parkrun is a simple idea to just get people walking, running, and volunteering, and thanks to Tom over nine million people across the world are feeling the benefits.

"This year Tom joins almost 1,000 graduates from the Carnegie School of Sport. Each one will go on to inspire their communities to reach further and live better as part of a healthy and more active lifestyle."

Tom Williams will receive his honorary doctorate during Leeds Beckett's graduation week in July, when over 7500 students will attend graduation ceremonies this year.