PARKRUN is an international sensation, and it’s no different in the Whitsundays, with thousands of people enjoying the benefits of outdoor running and walking since it started in the region.
This week, 65 people ran, jogged and walked the 5km Airlie Beach waterfront course, on Saturday, November 26, including 15 first timers and 10 participants who recorded new Personal Bests.
Congratulations to Jarrod, Michael, Robert, Bronwyn, Nadine, Neale, Blake, Sophie, Anne and Shane.
Two milestones were achieved: Kadon completed his 25th parkrun and Sonya returned to complete her 50th parkrun.
The event was made possible by 16 fantastic volunteers: Nick, Kara (run director) Greg, Nathalie (photographer), Neale, Steve, Susanne, Michael, Jess, Carly, Lilliana, Laura, Ken, Lynne, Dennis and Joanne.
Airlie Beach parkrun started on December 5, 2015.
Since then, 4,376 participants have completed 22,797 parkruns covering a total distance of 113,985 kilometres, including 2,655 new Personal Bests.
Special parkrun events over the next few weeks include Bowen parkrun’s 300th event, on December 3, Airlie Beach parkrun’s 7th Anniversary event on December 10, Christmas Eve parkrun December 24, Christmas Day parkrun December 25, New Year’s Eve parkrun December 31, and New Year’s Day parkrun January 1, 2023.
“The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running – it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social and supportive environment,” co-event director Kara Olver said.
“You can walk or run the five-kilometre course (pushing a pram or with one dog on a short lead if you want to!).
“You can lend a helping hand as a volunteer in a wide range of super-easy roles, or simply spectate and socialise on the sidelines.
“There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the tail walkers do.
“Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.
For more information visit https://www.parkrun.com.au/airliebeach/results/latestresults/.
Or check out the Airlie Beach parkrun Facebook page. Everyone is welcome.
