Once around passes the sun, so too parkrun

ON August 11, Torquay parkrun turns one and is inviting you to get up bright and early to join in the festivities.

The beach party parkrun celebrations will see runners don their beachiest attire for cake, fun and frivolity kicking off from 7.30am at Fishermans Beach.

Kate Patterson from Torquay parkrun said the event is a free weekly timed 5km event for runners, joggers and walkers; the event has become aregular start to the weekend for many Torquay residents.

“Council assisted with the establishment costs last year, through the Small Grants program. Since then, we have had 44 events. We run every Saturday, but were closed during January due to peak visitor season,” she said.

“A total of 1,727 individuals have participated – including locals, visitors and parkrun tourists (people who come to town just to participate in parkrun – it’s a thing!).”

Ms Patterson said they’d had 5,301 finishers, with an average of 120 runners each week.

“Our biggest attendance was our launch event, with 374 runners. We’re hoping to eclipse this figure on August 11,” she said.

“We’d love a councillor or representative to come along on August 11, to join in (they can walk, jog or run) and also say a few words before the event briefing at around 7.50am. Venue is the grassy area just next to the Salty Dog Café at Fishos.”

For more information head to Torquay parkrun on Facebook or parkrun.com.au/torquay.