Parkrun – a walk in the park

It might be called ‘parkrun’, but you can take it at an easy pace at any of the local parkrun events running each week.

Parkruns are free, weekly community events run all around the world – including every Saturday from 8 am at Peppertree Park, Toolern Creek, and Wallaby Track, and Sundays at the Eynesbury Heritage Trail.

Walkers have always been welcome at the 450 parkruns held every Saturday around Australia, but this month a focus will be put on encouraging more walkers to take part.

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

More than 10 per cent of people taking part in the five-kilometre courses do so as walkers, and parkrun are eager to increase that number.

Volunteer Event Director of the Peppertree parkrun, Adrian Hillyer, said parkruns were for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.

“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,” Mr Hillyer said.

“Walking is a great way of soaking up the parkrun atmosphere and chatting with people while being active. 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 tail walkers, ‘palkwalkers’ are being introduced from the first Saturday in October. Easily identifiable by their blue vests, their role will be to mix with other walkers and have a chat during the walk.

Parkrun Asia Pacific’s 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.

“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,” Mr Turner said.

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 actually proud of, as it shows that parkrun now appeals to a broader range of people, and not just competitive runners.

Registration is free at www.parkrun.com.au/register. For further information on your nearest parkrun event, head to www.parkrun.com.au/events.