An initiative that began in England in 2004 and was introduced to Australia in 2011, Deniliquin held its first event in July 2021.
Tomorrow it will host its 100th parkrun event alongside the Edward River.
The local branch was started after Sam North, Nat Connolly and Lynda Barclay had all experienced the joys of parkrun elsewhere.
They decided the format had a lot to offer the Deniliquin community.
“It was just prior to COVID when we began the process for getting our local event going,” Barclay said.
“In the end, it was almost 18 months before we began.
“As with any event, we had to organise risk assessments, funding - many thanks to our community and Edward River Council for their contributions - and a volunteer team before we could start.
“We held our inaugural event on July 10, 2021, and were blown away by the support we received.
“It was just prior to being shut down for several months because of COVID.”
Barclay said the group suffered another lengthy stoppage as a result of the 2022 floods.
Due to the flooding itself and the recovery works alongside the river required afterwards, parkrun was forced into a six month hiatus.
Parkrun is held weekly and is not competitive.
It is free to attend, and participants can complete a timed walk or run.
The Deniliquin parkrun is held at 8am every Saturday, starting and finishing at the start of the Beach to Beach walking track at McLean Beach (park in the McLeans Beach car park and walk up the dirt road to the start).
Participants are asked to get there 10 minutes early, ready for the pre-event briefing.
Parkrun is for everyone - runners, walkers, spectators, and volunteers.
Strollers are also allowed, and people can bring their dog (max one dog per person on a short hand-held lead).
Children under 11 must be with a responsible adult.
Before attending parkrun for the first time, register at www.parkrun.com.au. You will receive a barcode which you take to any parkrun event you attend.
Parkrun’s vision is to create a healthier and happier planet.
“We are very excited to celebrate our 100th event this weekend with the community”, Barclay said.
“We would love to see loads of new participants, as well as our regulars.
“Participants are encouraged to bring or dress up in something ‘old’, and we will have a free breakfast afterwards.”
For more information about Deniliquin parkrun, phone 0439 373 764.
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