Fun and fitness with Lismore parkrun

ORGANISERS of the Lismore parkrun invite residents to walk, jog, or run the five-kilometre route from Riverside Park near Ballina Street Bridge each Saturday.

Australia’s first parkrun event was on the Gold Coast in 2011, and the worldwide running movement is now in its 20th year.

Founded by Lismore residents Belinda and Anthony Smith in 2016, the couple spent months seeking support from local businesses to raise the $5000 necessary to launch the Lismore chapter. In April this year, they handed over the baton to co-event directors Linda Wallace and Lee-Anne Bostock.

Ms Wallace said it was a supportive community that allowed people of all fitness levels to participate.

“Everyone is very encouraging, and we celebrate everyone’s achievements – which could be finishing the course for the first time, volunteering 25 times or completing your 100th run,” she said.

“Many new friendships have developed through parkrun, which was very evident after the 2022 flood, which affected many in our parkrun community. We have many regular participants, and all feel part of a big family.”

An average of 90-100 participants aged from four years old to entrants in their 80s meet each Saturday morning to run or walk the three-lap course. Approximately one-third are walkers.

Ms Wallace said she had never been a runner, and her journey with parkrun began in 2016.

“My sister encouraged me to come, and I distinctly remember saying I would never get out of bed at 7 am on Saturday to go running,” she said.

“I started walking and slowly built up my pace and running ability. I have since completed many events, including two half marathons.

“What I most appreciate about my parkrun journey is the wonderful friendships that I have gained. The fitness is great, but the friendships and community are what I value most.

“My co-event director, Lee-Anne, also started her journey with parkrun in 2016. She is a regular walker and volunteers at our Lismore event and always makes everyone feel welcome.”

Parkrun is a free event; participants can assemble at 6.50 am for a 7 am start. Runners also gather for a post-run coffee each week.

For more information, visit www.parkrun.com/lismore