Milestone event for fitness group

KENNINGTON Reservoir parkrun will hold a milestone 400th event at the reservoir tomorrow.

The free, 5km run/walk event has been running for eight years.

“We average 200 people every week,” said co-event director, Jess Rix.

“We meet every Saturday at 8am, 52 weeks of the year in all seasons.

“The event has become very popular. It promotes Bendigo, fun, fitness, community and camaraderie.

“It is inclusive with everyone welcome; young, older, families, prams and dogs.”

Over the past eight years, the participants have run up some impressive figures.

“We have had almost 6500 finishers with an average time of 32.5 minutes to complete the course,” said Ms Rix.

“Personal best times have been recorded 7600 times and the finish line has been crossed 51,278 times.”

Volunteers play an important part in running the event.

“We couldn’t do it without our wonderful volunteers,” said Ms Rix.

“I can’t thank them enough for their support. Volunteers are hard to come by these days and we do value them.

“There are also some great sponsors. Athletes Foot, Medibank, Polar, Brookes and the City of Greater Bendigo.”

For the 400th event, there will be a Medibank van onsite providing health check-ups.

“We’ve asked participants to wear their Parkrun, Medibank, running club or favourite T-shirt,” said Ms Rix.

Participants will meet at 7.45 for an 8am start at Kennington Reservoir, Reservoir Rd, Strathdale.