Stepping out in style

October is all about getting out & walking at parkrun

parkrun is the name, but you don’t have to run or be a runner to get involved in this free weekly 5km event that takes place at 8am every Saturday morning at the Blue Lake, Mount Gambier.

While walkers have always been welcome and celebrated at the 450 parkruns around Australia each Saturday, the month of October will be dedicated to encouraging even more people to walk.

More than 10 per cent of people who complete the 5km course at Aussie parkruns do so as walkers, and the organisation is keen to significantly increase this number.

The campaign will see parkrun change its logo to ‘parkwalk’ for the month of October, with bright pink branding designed to capture the attention — and the imagination — of people who might not think that parkrun is for them.

Mount Gambier volunteer event director Phil Ackland said parkruns are social events where there is no time limit and people of all ages and abilities take part, including people pushing prams or with their dog on a short handheld lead. It’s all about getting involved in a way that is fun and comfortable for you.

“Walking is a great way of soaking up the parkrun atmosphere and chatting with people while being active,” Phil said.

“It’s one of the best entry points into parkrun, especially for those who may be taking their first steps towards healthier and happier lifestyles.

“Walking at parkrun is a great way to meet new people too, or you can walk with your family or friendship group.

“One of the great things about parkrun is that you can never come last.

“Each week we have people who volunteer as tail walkers, who provide support and encouragement for walkers and are the last people to finish.”

In addition to the tail walkers, a new volunteer role of ‘parkwalker’ is being introduced this month. These volunteers will wear a blue vest labelled ‘parkwalker’, and their role will be to mix with other walkers and have a chat during the 5km walk.

parkrun Asia Pacific communications and health & wellbeing manager Glen Turner said the campaign builds on the fantastic work parkrun events do to create a positive experience for walkers.

“People who participate in parkrun know how much we love to celebrate walkers, so the ‘parkwalk’ campaign is designed to take this message to people who may never have considered that they could get involved in parkrun,” he said.

“Walking can help you manage or prevent health conditions, enhance your mood, boost fitness and bring you into contact with some amazing people and places.

“By actively encouraging people who don’t currently do parkrun to walk at our events, we can expand the incredible impact that parkrun has on a wider range of people.”

Thousands of people at parkrun take more than an hour to complete the event. In fact, when parkrun started in Australia in 2011 the average finish time was 27 minutes, and now it’s 33 minutes — a statistic the organisation is incredibly proud of because it shows that parkrun now appeals to a broader range of people.

Mount Gambier parkrun takes place at the Blue Lake every Saturday at 8am. Registration is free at www.parkrun.com.au/register For further information please contact Phil Ackland on 0417 851 272