Torquay to host parkrun this weekend

AUSTRALIA’s first national parkrun is coming to Torquay this Saturday, giving locals the chance to get active and connect with their local community through physical exercise.

Setting off from Fishermans Beach at 8am, the 5km Medibank x parkrun Road Trip event will attract participants of all levels, no matter their running or walking prowess.

Since its inception in 2011, the event has garnered the support of more than 850,000 participants across 450 locations in Australia and provide participants with the chance to be connected and engaged with the outdoors.

Local Torquay resident Sarah Minter said the parkrun has been a great way for her to increase her mental and physical health in a supporting and thriving environment.

“I love how inclusive Torquay parkrun is, we have some very fast runners, but also lots of walkers, and the majority of us are somewhere in between,” Minter said.

“Through running and volunteering on a Saturday morning, I get to be part of a wider community, making friends who I would not have an opportunity to connect with otherwise.

“At parkrun, you will never come last; – we are fun, free and inclusive.”

A representative from Medibank, which is the event’s official supporting sponsor, said they were overjoyed to see the united front from communities across the country to support their own health and wellbeing.

“parkrun creates opportunity for regular exercise and social connection, which are so important for our overall wellbeing,” Medibank Group Executive, Customer and Brands, Rob Deeming said.

“The parkrun is for everyone, and I encourage everyone to give it a go and make it a part of your weekly routine.”

The travelling series, which kicked off in Melbourne earlier this month also provides plenty of entertainment pre and post event for participants to indulge in including an outdoor space featuring umbrellas, seating, massages and refreshments.

To learn more about the parkrun series, head to https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/activities/partners/parkrun/