Great strides taken as Torquay parkrun turns one

Paul Young and Brian Atkinsen bit into one of many cakes on offer as part of Torquay parkrun’s first birthday celebrations.

DESPITE wet and wintery conditions Torquay parkrun – a free weekly timed 5km event for runners, joggers and walkers – welcomed 195 participants to their first birthday celebrations.

Crowds gathered around 7.50am for the event briefing before they took off on a soggy track and volunteer Sarah O’Dwyer said that despite the conditions, it was another fantastic turnout.

“Thank you to our amazing community and visitors for supporting this event every week. It’s simple really, 5km, on every week, for everyone and free, what’s not to love,” she said.

“Thank you to councillor Martin Duke for kicking off proceedings. The support of the Surf Coast Shire council and Great Ocean Road Coast Committee has been amazing.

“The Torquay parkrun event team continues to amaze with their passion and dedication to this event; massive shout out to Megan, Sarah, Kate, Martin, Richard and Stephen; Natasha for her dedication to volunteering and Paul for securing the marshal point at Young’s corner each week.

“Thank you to our event ambassador Geoff Wiffen and past ambassador Glenn Rowlands for guiding us along. Today we had 195 participants in some very soggy conditions, but rain, hail or shine, we are on every week. A big shout out to the kids from Geelong Grammar who joined us today, great running by all.”