Locals and travellers enjoy the challenge of Parkrun at all levels on their second anniversary.
Parkrunners and volunteers at Corowa’s Ball Park Parkrun recently celebrated both their 100th Parkrun event and second anniversary.
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December 27 marked the 100th Parkrun held at Ball Park, with runners from near and far joining in for the local milestone.
Not content with one celebration, they then celebrated their second year running four weeks later, on January 24.
The weather turned out for both events and runners enjoyed a warm and sunny run alongside the Murray River to kick off their Saturday morning.
Volunteer, Debbie Filliponi, says Emma Forrest has been the key director since the Ball Park Parkrun first started and is a guiding light in running the event.
Other volunteers, such as Robyn Schilg, Maris Berry, Deb Rich, Donna Cargil and Carmen Kingston are there weekly to ensure Parkrun goes ahead.
Without the dedication of volunteers, these events simply wouldn’t happen.
Without the volunteers, Parkrun wouldn't be possible.
“As a community, it helps to bring us together,” Debbie said.
“It gives us the opportunity to give back and make available something for the community to do.
“And it’s not just for runners; you can walk if you want.”
She said it’s important to encourage people from all walks of life and levels of fitness to exercise, and they have a defibrillator on site if needed.
Ball Park Parkrun, still running strong after 100 events.
Parkrun is a free community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.
All courses are 5km long no matter where you participate, and take place every Saturday morning.
Some venues also run Junior Parkrun, which is 2km long and dedicated to 4–14-year-olds and their families, and is run on Sunday mornings.
There are currently 541 parkrun events around the country taking place every weekend, with more locations being added all the time.
You can go along to any event, any weekend.
“It’s been wonderful as a thing for people to do when they travel,” Debbie said.
“We get people who are trying to travel around to all the different venues in Australia so they can mark them on their map.”
Kids are enjoying and excelling at Ball Park Parkrun, highlighting the importance of fitness for all ages.
All events are free and you only need to register once whether walking, jogging, running, volunteering or a combination.
Parkrun is a positive, welcoming and inclusive event where there is no time limit, and no one finishes last.
Everyone is welcome to come along.
Anyone interested in getting involved can register online at www.parkrun.com.au/register/
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