




Hello Ireland! Welcome to Parkes Running!
My name is Ben and I set up Parkes Running with three main goals.
1. Offer great running advice through my YouTube channel, for free, every week.
2. Design affordable training plans that anyone can follow.
3. Create the best running hats in the world, while offering a line of technical and casual gear that will look awesome on any runner.
It's great to have you on board, let's get this done!
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from 4718 reviewsI own over 20 running hats from all sorts of brands. I came across this one at the London Marathon expo while picking up my bib. It felt light and breathable, and it looked good when I tried it on so I bought it.
I tested it the next day on my final tapering run, then wore it on race day. It was a hot one, and I sweat more than the average person believe me. Usually, my running sunglasses fog up, but they didn’t with this hat. That’s what made me choose it over my previous favourite.
I can honestly say this hat kept my head cool, shaded my face from the sun, and stopped me from having to constantly take off my sunglasses to defog them.
The only improvement I’d suggest based on my experience with running hats is to make the bottom of the top pin plastic. From what I’ve seen, every hat I own (except one with a plastic pin) ends up rusting or corroding, which can cause skin irritation. I speak as a bald man if you’ve got hair, your experience might be different, but this has been mine.

Great hat. Bought one when I saw the forecast for the London Marathon and so glad I did. Perfect and fitted. (I have a small head😂)

Used this plan to train for the Enschede Marathon on April 25.
Great plan with lots of speed variations, and a logic build-up of the KMs. Trained using the 3:15 target time, ended up running a 3:13:54. Will definitely be getting the next level for my quest to break the 3 hour mark.
100% recommend!

Safe to say this plan delivered, and more!
Originally aiming/training for 3:30 using this plan, I ran Manchester marathon in tough, warm conditions in 3:09! Love the layout, structure and flexibility this plan offers. Thank you Ben!!

Chose to train for Manchester Marathon using this plan targeting a 4:30 min/km pace. Missed 8km off one long run in the build phase and a MP pace section Out of a long run but still completed the marathon with an average pace of 4:26 min/km. The race was 20 DegC and I still held up thanks to this plan. I will be using it again to attempt sub 3. Thanks Ben, you’re a legend.

This beginners plan helped get me to the start (and end!) of my first marathon. Despite it being a lot hotter on the day than any of my training runs, I was chuffed to be able to run it all and finish in 4 hrs 17 mins. I came into the training block having a decent level of fitness and knowing what my 'easy' and 'interval' paces were, however the plan gives you estimated pace times based on the time you are aiming to finish. It was easy to follow and manageable as I wanted to run 3-4 times per week so I could fit in an extra strength session to keep the niggles at bay!
Following this plan helped me to getting a 25 minute marathon PB. The plan offers a great variety of runs week-to-week which keeps it interesting and motivating. Thank you Ben!

Really like the unique speed workouts each week. Means I dint get bored

Really comfortable and plenty of ventilation.

I’ve got numerous Ben Parkes caps which are all good but this one is my favourite so breathable and easy to tighten on my head.

Really great purchase; super looking hat in a lovely colour. Fast delivery as always and a great purchase. Thanks a lot!!

Just bought my 2nd Ben Parkes running cap. Really good lightweight design that washes well. And fun colours !

I followed this plan for a sub 4 goal , I loved how simple it was to follow and program the workouts into my garmin. I didn't achieve the goal as I injured myself 2 weeks out and took a complete week off running I re-adjusted my goal and managed to get round in 4h.08. Note to self: I should have followed the strength and conditiong plan

Thanks Ben for a great lightweight cap, fit is great, materials feel quality. Would highly recommend

After watching Ben’s videos on YouTube I decided to buy his intermediate marathon training plan. The plan is easy to understand and follow as all sessions have clear descriptions what each training is about. Including the strength course for a small add on fee adds an area to my training I have disregarded in the past. If you are looking for a training plan to achieve your goals, a can recommend these plans.
