Volunteers needed to support parkrunners

HEALTHY Loddon Campaspe and Heathcote Health will hold a Volunteer Sign Up Day at Barrack Reserve for the proposed Heathcote McIvor Creek Trail Parkrun.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet event director Roy Munro and learn about a proposed site for the Parkrun.

“We are keen to get as many people as we can attending in the sign-up day,” said health broker at Healthy Loddon Campaspe Darci Tierney.

“We have had some great online meetings, and it will be good for everyone to meet up in person.

“Attendees will have the opportunity to view the proposed track and meet with Event Director Roy Munro.

“Once we have enough volunteers and interest, we will be able to take steps to make it an official Parkrun.”

There are almost 500 Parkrun events held throughout Australia every weekend.

They are free community events where participants can run, jog, walk, volunteer or spectate.

There is no need for special clothing or equipment and prams and dogs are welcome.

Mr Munro said he is looking forward to meeting volunteers and runners.

“I have put my hand up to be the ED as I know how amazing parkrun can be for each person and the town as a whole,” he said.

“I don’t want Heathcote to miss out on this fantastic opportunity.

Attendees will have the opportunity to view the proposed site for Heathcote Parkrun at the volunteer sign-up day. Image: SUPPLIED

“My parkrun journey started back in 2013 when Highlands Parkrun began in Craigieburn.

“It was very early in the parkrun scene; we were the third event to start in Victoria.

“It became apparent very quickly that it is so much more than a five-K run on a Saturday morning.

“I was a run director for three years and also volunteered in every other role available.

“I have met so many people through parkrun and there isn’t a running event that I go to in Victoria where don’t see someone I know from Parkrun.”

Heather Wallace said she is not a runner but is planning to walk the Parkrun.

“I think it’s great that Parkrun will be coming to Heathcote,” she said.

“Many of my friends participate in Parkrun all over the state and they love them.

“I am really looking forward to participating and volunteering.”

Anyone interested in joining Parkrun as a participant, volunteer or spectator is welcome to have a coffee and meet with organisers at 1pm, Sunday 17 August at Barrack Reserve.