welcome to the newsletter

A special thank you

We had a very near miss at parkrun on Saturday.

A parkrunner suffered a cardiac arrest at the finish line and, if it wasn't for the quick action of our nearby parkrunners, I would be writing a very different piece this week.

However, rather than me praising those involved and telling you about the great outcome that was delivered, I'd like to share with you this letter which was written by the gentleman in question's daughter. These words really touched my soul:

"On Saturday (30/07), my Dad unfortunately suffered a cardiac arrest, at the finish line of the 5km course at parkrun.

"Thankfully, as we found out later from doctors, we were surrounded by fellow parkrunners. As soon as I noticed my Dad collapse, the ambulance was called and a lady, who was a registered nurse, began performing CPR, with the assistance of some amazing men.

"The series of events are somewhat blurred for me, and I was unable to get the name of any of the wonderful people who performed CPR on Dad, or who just comforted myself and my Mum at the time.  

"After a good amount of time performing CPR, the ambulance arrived and were able to revive Dad using a defibrillator, however, we have found out from doctors later, that if it wasn't for this CPR, Dad would not be with us today.

"I know this may be difficult, without being able to send through names, but if you were able to pass on our absolute gratitude to the amazing people who helped out on Saturday, my family and I would greatly appreciate it - they have literally saved Dad's life.

"If anyone was curious, Dad suffered a cardiac arrest. If you were to see Dad, you would see he is an extremely fit and healthy man, particularly for his age (59), so it has come with a complete shock to us. It ends up his main artery was completely blocked - a build-up of cholesterol which, despite his extremely healthy diet and lifestyle, seems to be heredity and the arrest could not be avoided. The doctors are amazed at how quickly he had recovered - he had approximately seven minutes without oxygen to his brain, but thankfully, has no cognitive issues. He has had a stent put in, to replace the main artery, and it looks like he'll be back into it in no time.

"Again, we couldn't be more thankful for the treatment and support we received on Saturday, and we keep saying how lucky we actually are. "Dad may not be back at parkrun anytime soon, but I'm sure my siblings and I will be."

Thank you and the parkrunners again! Happy parkrunning, 

Tim Oberg
General Manager

Essential Stats

Out of the fog and into the parkrun

I suffered a stroke at 59, and three weeks later was diagnosed with breast cancer and diabetes. I thought my world was coming to an abrupt end. As I was already obese I knew something had to give.

Deciding that there was too much to live for, I set up my ͚project͛and took my life and my recovery into my own hands. Within a year, I reversed the diabetes (in 7 weeks), recovered my language (in 4.5 months), lost 45kg (in 45 weeks), underwent cancer surgery and radiation, and rebuilt my business.

Then I found parkrun.  A chance sighting of a notice on a telegraph pole set me off on a fabulous journey of maintaining my new, healthy lifestyle through running. I started at Lake Mac parkrun, but after achieving a PB of 30.16 on a flat track, I decided I needed a bigger challenge.  I found Lakeview parkrun at Belmont and what a find it was! A fabulous group, a track of bushland and rainforest topped off by beautiful views of the lake. Love those hills! We also have the world͛s best chocolate cake maker to celebrate when someone reaches a milestone!

I also run each month at Bluegum Hills, with a small but enthusiastic group communing with nature on a challenging bushland track. I call it my 'boutique' track.  I've also found a few other parkruns in the Hunter Valley to provide me with variety.  But I always come back...to Lakeview. With a total of 85 parkruns since 2014 and lots of volunteering, I have firmly entrenched parkrun into my healthy lifestyle on a Saturday.    

What more could a girl want?  A book!

So I wrote Out of the Fog published in 2016 by Balboa press.  It follows my project journey (and my sometimes unconventional strategies) from the day of the stroke over the next three years, literally through the hills and valleys, in which I achieved a complete lifestyle change.  I emerged healthy, happy and extremely fit through running, cycling, fast tap and pole fitness! For me, parkrun is an important tool for longevity, and maintaining health and well-being into my exciting senior years!  

Baby boomers can do anything... far beyond what the world, and the health system, expects.  

Go on you baby boomers out there who think you can only walk – sign up! 

- Alana Henderson

Blackmores Sydney Running Festival

Join more than 32,000 others on Sunday 18 September 2016 and pound the pavement through the streets of Sydney in the annual Blackmores Sydney Running Festival.

With four events on offer, ranging from 4km to a full marathon, there really is a run for everyone, and all four events allow you the once a year opportunity to run across the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge – traffic free!  

Changes to both the Blackmores Sydney Marathon and Blackmores Half Marathon have made both courses flatter, faster and even more beautiful.  

The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival are excited to announce a partnership with parkrun by offering a 10% discount on entry fees. We ask that you respect the partnership and only use the code if you are a registered parkrunner – please do not distribute. The promotion is limited to the first 200 parkrun members who register, so get it quick! Click here to register and when prompted use the promo code: "10%parkrun-r5c16ts32v5" to redeem your discount in the run that's FUN for everyone!

This code is for registered parkrunners ONLY and entrants will be cross-referenced to ensure validity. There will be a designated meeting area for members of parkrun located in the Blackmores Recovery Village post-event.

This area can be found at the northern end of Tarpeian Way, close to Tarpeian Gate, and has a pretty decent view (see image above). We look forward to seeing you on event day, Sunday 18 September 2016.  

feedback from the field

I did my first 'real' parkrun in late December 2015. I say 'real' because my prior visit was more of a recon mission to sus the whole parkrun gig out.

In December I could barely run the first km and managed a run/walk time of 38:37. I was determined to run the whole 5kms and get a sub 30-minute time doing it. By February I could run the whole distance in a time of 34:54.

Last Saturday I achieved my sub 30 goal with a time of 29:20 - 9:17 off my time in 6.5 months! Now on to sub 25.

Thanks for being an awesome community of people.

- Danielle Bonham

feedback from the field

I'd just like to write to say that story from Catherine (from last week's newsletter) absolutely made my day! Tears in my eyes because of her honesty and passion. It really struck a chord with me and I think I'd like to ask my Dad if he'd do a parkrun with me, I think it is something he would enjoy!

Thanks for being such an amazing crew!

- Grace Lynch

upcoming special events

Launches: 

06/08 – Chelsea Bicentennial (Vic)
17/09 – Palmerston (NT), You Yangs (Vic), Moree (NSW)

Anniversaries: 
06/08 – Blackbutt (NSW) 3rd, Claisebrook Cove (WA) 4th, Victor Harbor (SA) 2nd
13/08 – Callaghan (NSW) 1st, Wishart (Qld) 2nd
20/08 – Hobart (Tas) 2nd
27/08 – Balyang Sanctuary (Vic) 4th, Cairns (Qld) 3rd, Capalaba (Qld) 2nd, Chermside (Qld) 1st, Hervey Bay (Qld) 2nd, Lake Joondalup (WA) 2nd, Maribyrnong (Vic) 2nd, Mt Clarence (WA) 2nd, Singleton (NSW) 2nd

Cancellations: 
10/09 – Mt Penang (NSW), Diamond Creek (Vic)
15/10 – Launceston (Tas)
12/11 – Mt Penang (NSW)
19/11 – Tamborine Mountain (Qld)

parkdog of the week

Hi my name is Minnie.  

I'm not an official participant in parkrun, but have been deemed the official Stockton parkdog.My Mum, Katie, runs way too fast for me, so I prefer to kick off the runners with my shy quiet woof and wait to cheer the runners home at the finish line.

I don't mind waiting as the volunteer officials are always willing to talk to me while they wait to do their scanning or token issuing duties.

I get so excited when I see Mum and her friends run in.  Sometimes Mum stays with me because she knows how much I love parkrun and is a committed Run Director at Stockton parkrun. We cheer parkrunners home together and it feels so good.

The other good part is the celebrations; I love cake and am always waiting to help the 10, 50 and 100 clubbers celebrate their milestones by sharing in a little sponge and cream!

Are you a parkrun-loving dog, aka a parkdog? If so, and you're clever enough to read this newsletter, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your profile tohelloAU@parkrun.com with the subject "parkdog of the week". And remember, don't forget your bark-code.

Woof!

foreign correspondent

Name - Laura Walsh
Age - 11
Occupation - Student
Home parkrun - Bere Island, Cork, Ireland
Number of parkruns (runner) - 70
PB time - 25:39
Number of parkruns (volunteer) - 38
I volunteer at parkrun because - I want to give something back to our parkrun and share my time.
You should visit my parkrun because –  I think it is the best parkrun in the world as it has changed so many people's lives for the better. It is brilliant for our community to have a parkrun and everyone that visits here says our welcome is now world famous and our community spirit is second to one. It is the only parkrun in the world that is on an offshore island and you need to get a ferry to it. It probably has the best views in the world of Bantry Bay and there is so much history along the course which includes a bronze age wedge tomb, a viking boatyard, a military fort and the famous village of Rerrin. We also have a fantastic cafe called the Bakehouse, where you can get great coffee and homemade lemon drizzle cake. The bus picks you up again after the cafe and brings you to the ferry or you can stay over on the Island for the night and try some local seafood.
And when you're in town you should also check out – The Bere Island sea safari which takes you out to see the whales, dolphins and seals around the Island coast. A great adventure is promised at Bere Island parkrun. Come and see for yourself!

from the platform to the park

Hi there!

In case you hadn't noticed, a reasonably large sporting event is currently being held in Rio de Janeiro. For most athletes this event is the pinnacle of sport, something that they have trained for and aspired to for many years. I'm sure some of you had aspirations to be elite athletes at some point in your life. As parkrun Australia record holder Scott Westcott has shown us, you're never too old to make this dream come true.

As a youngster I wanted to go represent my country at the highest level, but not as a runner; I was a weightlifter and pretty good at it. I made several Australian representative junior teams but the step up to the senior ranks was simply too much for me. As my weightlifting career was winding down, the career of another was just starting to take off, Deborah Lovely (now Acason).

Deb went on to achieve everything I didn't; 2 x Olympic Games, 4 x Commonwealth Games (including a gold, 3 x silver and a bronze) and numerous World Championship appearances. She had an incredible career, no doubt. So it was with great surprise and delight when the below email from Deb appeared in my inbox last week. I thought it was appropriate to share it with you all here to show that something as simple as parkrun is having a significant impact on the life of a former elite weightlifter. Go Deb!

____

"As an elite athlete of 17 years and now mother of two, I wasn't sure what to expect of my first Ipswich parkrun in Queensland. I was happily surprised to see so many runners and walkers participating in the 5km event. 

I grew up and have lived in Ipswich almost my whole life but for the last three years lived in a small town in western Qld, Miles. I miss the outback countryside so last week when my hubby, Josh, suggested we got to parkrun I was very keen to get out in the fresh air and exercise in a big green open park.

I started 12 minutes late due to pram tyre issues, and had only four hours sleep due to a nappy change and feed for baby Ella at 3am. It just goes to show, there's no excuse to skip morning exercise! Considering I haven't run more than 2km in about eight years, I was pretty happy with my effort. Young energetic kids, puffing adults, a man with his dog, a dad pushing a jogger pram, older people walking and various fancy dress themes were all part of the fun.

When I crossed the finish line I had my barcode scanned and with a red face and wobbly legs I slowly made my way back to the car. All I could think was... next week I'll run quicker! And so the Ipswich parkrun may just become a regular part of the Acason week. A quick coffee at Cafe 37 and back to bed for baby and me.

Well done and thanks to the team from Ipswich QLD parkrun for this great initiative. With Rio 2016 on now and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games just around the corner let's use them as inspiration to get out there and get fit!"

____

Lastly, I'd like to follow up on the piece in the newsletter last week I shared regarding a near-fatal medical emergency at one of our events where a parkrunner had a cardiac arrest at the finish line.

Thankfully the gentleman was kept alive through CPR by a group of parkrun participants and subsequently revived by the ambulance crew using a defibrillator. I'm pleased to say that since then the man has made good progress and looks like making a full recovery.

I have personally had communication from family members who once again wished to express their gratitude for the support received from the parkrun community. It's been a very humbling to receive this thanks and I want to once again thank and congratulate all of those directly involved.

I have since received several emails from medical professionals wishing to highlight the importance of people having thorough medical examinations prior to undertaking strenuous physical activity. I feel it's important that I pass on this advice here although I'm of course not qualified to make such statements myself. As one of the emails stated

____

"Heart attacks are most definitely avoidable, but unfortunately there is a sobering statistic that states that for 40% of men aged 40-60 years, the first sign of cardiovascular disease is sudden death.

The message that immediate CPR with defibrillation saves lives is confirmed, but there is an opportunity to take the message further and prevent the avoidable cardiac arrest."

____

Please take the above into consideration and take action necessary.

Happy parkrunning,

Tim Oberg
Chief Executive Officer

essential stats

annual points competition

The annual points competition will cease at the end of February 2017 and will not be replaced.

This means, if your home event has had its anniversary since March this year, the points competition for the event has now ended.

Note, this will continue to show online until early March 2017. If your home event's anniversary is due to be held between now and February, the points tally is still in place and medals will be presented at your next anniversary.

We are ending the annual points competition as we feel it no longer adds significant benefit to parkrun; whilst the competition rewards consistency, it will always reward consistent "faster" participants over consistent "slower" participants or volunteers.

Our ethos at parkrun is to be all inclusive and, regardless of your speed, we want everyone to feel like a winner.

Blackmores Sydney Running Festival

On Sunday the 18th of September over 32,000 people will pound the pavement through the streets of Australia's most populous city in the annual Blackmores Sydney Running Festival.

With four events on offer, ranging from 4km through to a 42.2km Marathon, there really is something for everyone. Best of all, everyone gets to walk or run across the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge – traffic free!

Changes to both the Blackmores Sydney Marathon and Blackmores Half Marathon have made both courses flatter, faster and even more beautiful.

The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival are excited to announce a partnership with parkrun by offering a 10% discount on entry fees to the first 200 parkrunners who register, so get it quick!

Note, the code below is for registered parkrunners ONLY and entrants will be cross-referenced to ensure validity.

Click here to register and when prompted use the promo code "10%parkrun-r5c16ts32v5" to redeem your discount in the run that's FUN for everyone!

Also, there will be a designated meeting area for parkrunners located in the Blackmores Recovery Village post-event. This area can be found at the northern end of Tarpeian Way, close to Tarpeian Gate.

We look forward to seeing you on there!

feedback from the field

I started parkrun on June 11th 2016 in Sale, Victoria. I did not think I could run 5km and worried I would be the last over the finish line crawling to the end, gasping with each breath.

It did not end up being anywhere near this dramatic, however, I did stumble sideways, after seeing a few stars when bending down, half way around, to retie my shoelaces.

My tip: tie the laces in a double bow before you head out! I am running with my daughter who is sixteen and who decided to make parkrun her physical component for the Duke of Edinburgh award (silver).

She is the only female in her age group on the run and does not particularly enjoy running but LOVES parkrun! We run together until the last 50m where she dashes out to beat me by 30secs!

Even though there is 30 years between us we seem to be able to run together comfortably, with a similar pace and running style. We found our third week really tough, it was extra cold and we had had a late night, we missed the euphoria that was present at the end of our last two runs.

We decided to do a training run midweek. Last weekend was my fourth run and I ran it on my own. I ran a PB taking 20secs off my daughter's PB, it just seemed to be easier this week. Now my daughters competitive streak has set in and I don't think she will let me run another parkrun without her.

My tip: You're up, you're dressed, you're ready, just GO DO IT!!! Lisa Singer

We received a very exciting package in the mail recently - a brand new, pint-sized 50-club shirt!

Our daughter Lilly ran her 50th parkrun a few weeks ago, becoming what we think might be the youngest member of the 50 club (5 years old) here in Tuggeranong.

Given her enthusiasm for volunteering (9 times so far), we think she might be more interested in a purple shirt than a black one for her next achievement. Gavin McIntyre

upcoming special events

Launches:
17/09 – Palmerston (NT) , You Yangs (Vic), Moree (NSW)

Anniversaries:
13/08 – Callaghan (NSW) 1st, Wishart (Qld) 2nd
20/08 – Hobart (Tas) 2nd
27/08 – Balyang Sanctuary (Vic) 4th, Cairns (Qld) 3rd, Capalaba (Qld) 2nd, Chermside (Qld) 1st, Hervey Bay (Qld) 2nd, Lake Joondalup (WA) 2nd, Maribyrnong (Vic) 2nd, Mt Clarence (WA) 2nd, Singleton (NSW) 2nd

Cancellations:
10/09 – Mt Penang (NSW), Diamond Creek (Vic)
15/10 – Launceston (Tas)
12/11 – Mt Penang (NSW)
19/11 – Tamborine Mountain (Qld)

parkdog of the week

I, Yamba was specially chosen, as a training companion for my seasoned running adoptive Dad.

After I was introduced to parkrun, or more correctly "barkrun", it became the highlight of my week. I start getting excited a few days out, as I am told it is only a couple of sleeps away. My enthusiasm knows no bounds, as I am a border collie/blue heeler cross, which means I am a very active girl!

When the Run Directors of my home runs, Lilydale Lake and Highlands acknowledge other parkrunners achievements, or the wonderful volunteers with a clap, I add my approval by whining and barking.

In fact, some days Mum has to take me away as I can't keep quiet because I am just so impatient to get running! Lots of parkrunners comment about my exuberant behaviour, saying that I add to the atmosphere and really get into the parkrun spirit!

We are fast approaching our 50th and would love to say a big THANK YOU to parkrun for the fun and friendship we have enjoyed! GO PARKRUN GO!!!

Are you a parkrun-loving dog, aka a parkdog? If so, and you're clever enough to read this newsletter, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your profile to helloAU@parkrun.com with the subject "parkdog of the week". And remember, don't forget your bark-code!

Woof!

foreign correspondent

Name - Tracy Bliss

Age - Below 50

Occupation - IT Project Manager

Home parkrun - Basildon

Number of parkruns (runner) -74 (hoping to make my 100th in Australia 2017!) including touristing at Poland, Moscow, Jersey, and next year Sydney.

PB time - 25.24 (Southend, flat and fast) but 29.31 at Basildon

Number of parkruns (volunteer) - 221 tasks at 116 runs

I volunteer at parkrun because - I started at my Big Brother parkrun, Southend, then branched out to being Event Director and setting up Basildon in Essex seeing the need for one a few miles nearer home and a bit more challenging (not all flat)

You should visit my parkrun because – We have a brilliant community in a small neighbourhood park, we have a sign Basildon on entry, just like Hollywood. We are mixed terrain and have interesting sight-seeing areas for tourists such as 'Flasher's Corner'.

And when you're in town you should also check out – Bas Vegas! The town that parties all night

getting the right people in the room

Hi there!

Last week was one of those milestone week for parkrun Australia. Let me explain.

Ever since we launched parkrun at main Beach in April 2011, people have been asking me - "When are you opening a parkrun in Centennial Park?" - or - "Bondi?" or "Coogee?”

The truth of the matter is, we have been lobbying for years to open a parkrun event in Sydney's majestic eastern suburbs but for one reason or another; fees (Centennial), road crossings (Bondi) and Council restrictions (Coogee); it just hasn't happened. 

Well I'm pleased to say that has now changed. How did we do it? By getting the right people in the room!

It all started about two months ago when I caught up with Athletics Australia President, Mark Arbib, for a run around Centennial Park. Of course the topic of parkrun came up (as it always does) and Mark wanted to know why we didn't have an event near his home in Randwick. I told him the sorry story of our many failed attempts at this and as a result, he pulled out his proverbial little black book, and arranged a meeting.

Fast forward to last Thursday and there we were; myself, Silpa Parmar (our Territory Director for Sydney metro), Cr Noel D'Souza (Mayor of Randwick), Matt Thistlethwaite MP (Member for Kingsford Smith) and Jorde Frangoples (Director of City Services); all sitting around a boardroom

table in the Randwick City Council offices, playing around on Google maps and trying to plot the perfect parkrun course in Sydney's east. I knew it was going to be a good meeting when Jorde entered the room and slapped his tattered parkrun barcode on the table and exclaimed, "Proud Curl Curl parkrunner, PB 21:04!"

YES!

The outcome is an agreement to support and fund a new parkrun event along the shores of Yarra Bay with a desire for it to launch sooner rather than later. What a great result! And what a great testament to the support we now receive from our friends at Athletics Australia.

So special thanks to Mark Arbib for facilitating, to the gentlemen mentioned above for collaborating and to Silpa Parmar for being an absolute champion!

Happy parkrunning,

Tim Oberg

Chief Executive Officer

essential stats

Blackmores Sydney Running Festival

On Sunday the 18th of September over 32,000 people will pound the pavement through the streets of Australia's most populous city in the annual Blackmores Sydney Running Festival.

With four events on offer, ranging from 4km through to a 42.2km Marathon, there really is something for everyone. Best of all, everyone gets to walk or run across the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge – traffic free!

Changes to both the Blackmores Sydney Marathon and Blackmores Half Marathon have made both courses flatter, faster and even more beautiful.

The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival are excited to announce a partnership with parkrun by offering a 10% discount on entry fees to the first 200 parkrunners who register, so get it quick! Note, the code below is for registered parkrunners ONLY and entrants will be cross-referenced to ensure validity.

Click here to register and when prompted use the promo code "10%parkrun-r5c16ts32v5" to redeem your discount in the run that's FUN for everyone!

Also, there will be a designated meeting area for parkrunners located in the Blackmores Recovery Village post-event. This area can be found at the northern end of Tarpeian Way, close to Tarpeian Gate. We look forward to seeing you on there!

TomTom competition

We recently ran a competition on Facebook courtesy of our friends at TomTom asking the simple question, "What is your favourite song to train to and why?" Wow, what a response we had!

In four days we had almost 500 entries and a Facebook reach of over 33,000. This was easily the most successful social media competition we have ever run and congrats to Damien Parker who was selected at random as the winner of a new TomTom Spark Cardio+Music GPS Fitness Watch. Damien's favourite song is "Lose Yourself" by Eminem... good tune.

Well we have decided that we can't let the Facebook likers have all of the fun so we're going to repeat the competition here for our newsletter readers. To enter, email TomTom on apac.tomtom@gmail.com and answer the question, "What is your favourite song to train to and why?" The winner will be selected by TomTom at random and announced right here in the newsletter next week.

upcoming special events

Launches:
27/08 - Wilson Botanic (Vic)
17/09 – Palmerston (NT), You Yangs (Vic), Moree (NSW)
8/10 - Galston (NSW)
22/10 - Orange (NSW)

Anniversaries:
13/08 – Callaghan (NSW) 1st, Wishart (Qld) 2nd
20/08 – Hobart (Tas) 2nd
27/08 – Balyang Sanctuary (Vic) 4th, Cairns (Qld) 3rd, Capalaba (Qld) 2nd, Chermside (Qld) 1st, Hervey Bay (Qld) 2nd, Lake Joondalup (WA) 2nd, Maribyrnong (Vic) 2nd, Mt Clarence (WA) 2nd, Singleton (NSW) 2nd

Cancellations:
10/09 – Mt Penang (NSW), Diamond Creek (Vic)
15/10 – Launceston (Tas)
12/11 – Mt Penang (NSW)
19/11 – Tamborine Mountain (Qld)

feedback from the field

Knowing that I would be spending three months in Singapore my first question was, is there a parkrun? To my delight there was, East Coast parkrun. I was coming from the winter cold of my home parkrun, Gungahlin, ACT, into the heat and humidity of Singapore.

It was very welcoming turning up to my first international parkrun and meeting a group of likeminded people. I was also surprised to find on my second run another Canberra parkrunner. Small world indeed!

East Coast parkrun is run on a very busy running path used by many runners, cyclists and walkers exercising in the relative cool (not) of a Singapore Saturday morning.

Like all parkruns it is very well organised with enthusiastic Run Director and volunteers and for those interested in achieving PBs, it is a completely flat run. The most welcome aspect was the outside showers, handy to help cool down.I look forward to my next international parkrun.

Tim Daly

Personal Better Day

Hi there!

parkrun isn’t just about running… it’s about running, jogging, walking and everything in between. It doesn’t matter what age or speed you are, it’s about getting out and joining in.

During the week personal stories pile into HQ by email, many stories of PBs, parkrun tourism and also first timers, here is one I’d like to share:

“Last weekend was my first parkrun. It was also about the most miserable and coldest day of the week. It was very tempting to sleep in. However, if that was going to be my excuse, I could see that I'd never make a start. So, rugged up in woollen leggings, gloves, a scarf and hat, off I went to be greeted on arriving at Vic Park by some of the friendliest volunteers I have ever encountered.

The course was a saturated swampland in parts and my hitherto clean shoes were sodden and covered in mud by the time I'd finished. By then I'd well and truly warmed up. I'll be back next week encouraged mostly by the friendly welcome and the encouragement of so many people. It's a great community and I only wish I'd known about it sooner.”

My parkrun day was opposite with gorgeous weather, and a change of pace as I enjoyed walking my local parkrun with my husband & friends. I also took the opportunity to spend time with a friends 4-month old baby, so while her Mum was the 2nd female over the line in just over 20min, we were about 5th last females over the line in just over 50min. Regardless of placing, we both enjoyed the same magic that is parkun. 

If you are thinking about walking parkrun, but worried you’ll be last, or you are not sure about running a whole 5km, there is no better time to join in! Mark your dairies for September 3rd as we are teaming up with Medibank to present Personal Better Day 2016, we invite you and your family and friends along, think of someone who needs encouragement to set their own ‘Personal Better’.

What does your personal better look like? 

Happy parkrunning,

Renee Gimbert
National Operations Manager

essential stats

Blackmores Sydney Running Festival

On Sunday the 18th of September over 32,000 people will pound the pavement through the streets of Australia’s most populous city in the annual Blackmores Sydney Running Festival. 

With four events on offer, ranging from 4km through to a 42.2km Marathon, there really is something for everyone. Best of all, everyone gets to walk or run across the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge – traffic free! 

Changes to both the Blackmores Sydney Marathon and Blackmores Half Marathon have made both courses flatter, faster and even more beautiful.

The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival are excited to announce a partnership with parkrun by offering a 10% discount on entry fees to the first 200 parkrunners who register, so get it quick! Note, the code below is for registered parkrunners ONLY and entrants will be cross-referenced to ensure validity.

Click here to register and when prompted use the promo code ‘10%parkrun-r5c16ts32v5’ to redeem your discount in the run that’s FUN for everyone!

Also, there will be a designated meeting area for parkrunners located in the Blackmores Recovery Village post-event. This area can be found at the northern end of Tarpeian Way, close to Tarpeian Gate. We look forward to seeing you there!

TomTom Competition Winner

Last week we asked you, "What is your favourite song to train to and why?" The winner is… Rachel Joseph.

“That would be Guns N Roses 'You could be mine'. A great energizing track, that lifts & increases my stride & I feel myself power along. Top band, top song!”

upcoming special events

Launches:
27/08 - Wilson Botanic (Vic)
17/09 – Palmerston (NT), You Yangs (Vic), Moree (NSW)
8/10 - Galston (NSW)
22/10 - Orange (NSW)

Anniversaries:
27/08 – Balyang Sanctuary (Vic) 4th, Cairns (Qld) 3rd, Capalaba (Qld) 2nd, Chermside (Qld) 1st, Hervey Bay (Qld) 2nd, Lake Joondalup (WA) 2nd, Maribyrnong (Vic) 2nd, Mt Clarence (WA) 2nd, Singleton (NSW) 2nd
03/09 – Blue Gum Hills (NSW) 2nd, Broadbeach Waters (Qld) 2nd, Lochiel (SA) 1st, Warner Lakers (Qld) 1st, Warwick (Qld) 3rd

Cancellations:
10/09 – Mt Penang, Penrith Lakes (NSW), Diamond Creek (Vic)
17/09 - Penrith Lakes (NSW)
01/10 – Penrith Lakes (NSW)
15/10 – Launceston (Tas), Clare Valley (SA)
12/11 – Mt Penang (NSW)
19/11 – Tamborine Mountain (Qld)

feedback from the field

I was never able to run the length of my street without stopping until my Aunty taught me a simple trick. My aunt and uncle also told me about a free 5k timed run, I initially did my first parkrun, then it was nearly a full year later before I started to really participate.

While my husband has been on long service leave I was able to start to regularly run on Saturday mornings and even brought my 7 year old twins once. It wasn't really for my daughter, but my son loved all the attention and praise he received for his lightning speed of under 28mins! He had never ran more than a km before this.

We have since run 7 parkruns and planned our school holiday Saturday's around parkrun locations while visiting family in northern NSW. We have run Bendigo parkrun which was so cold I ran with my scarf wrapped around my hands, next we ran at Dubbo which was a great track easy to run with lots of friendly people. This was our best time of the trip.

The following week we drove 6.5hrs in rain and flooded roads to get to Cobram for their second ever parkrun. A very muddy, but lovely course. Cooper nearly couldn't finish as he was so exhausted from running all over the place following kangaroo prints and exciting noises in the bush hunting for the koalas that sometimes walk the track. The fog was so thick that I wasn't sure where I was going in a number of places and just hoped for the best.

The best part about parkrun is just how welcoming and friendly it always is. To the point where I would be at one of the non home town locations and wonder 'do I know these people already?' 

I feel so grateful to have been able to regularly parkrun with my son the last few months and hope to do many more in the future. 

parkdog of the week

foreign correspondent

the joy of volunteering

My husband was the volunteer timekeeper on Saturday so whilst I was running and thinking of this, I decided exactly what I wanted to share in this weeks’ newsletter. 

You are probably used to giving all the vollies wearing high vis every Saturday a round of applause, and you’re likely to have heard the call out for volunteers during the pre-run brief, or seen what look like crazy people flashing a roster and pen around in the air, this is because we ask our participants to volunteer three times a year – this is simply because we need volunteers in order to operate. 

Volunteers are the backbone of parkrun, from the person who arrives early to set up the course, to the marshal in the high vis vest giving high 5’s and guiding you in the right direction, to the timekeeper that concentrates on which button to press as runners cross the line.

Then we have the photographer that takes your happy snaps that we all know you love to tag as soon as they hit Facebook, to the volunteer cake bakers, to the Event Directors & Run Directors, volunteers really are what makes parkrun happen. 

Many will know that volunteering is actually fun and very rewarding, it also contributes to the development of community spirit, social cohesion and friendship. If you’ve ever volunteered, (or you are lucky enough to own an eggplant 25 volunteer shirt), we salute you. Thank you to each of you for helping to make the magic happen. 

As parkrun continues to grow, so too will our volunteer roles, the newest of which is a Volunteer Helpdesk Role. The role involves coordinating incoming athlete support emails. You will be required to update athlete details online and respond to athlete request emails. Timing is based on volume, however will be approx. 15min per day, and this role can be shared or rostered between multiple volunteers.

Have you ever wanted to volunteer but Saturday mornings just don’t work, or do you have gaps of spare time during the day? We are opening up this role for expressions of interest. If this sounds like you, please email renee.gimbert@parkrun.com outlining experience by COB Friday 9th September. 

Happy parkrunning,

Renee Gimbert
National Operations Manager

essential stats

join us for Personal Better Day on September 3

Lace up your sneakers, because Personal Better Day is coming.

On Saturday, September 3, we’re gunning to beat the national attendance record and aiming for more than 25,000 Aussies participating in parkruns nationwide. 

Personal Better Day is a great time to bring your friends and family along to your regular parkrun, and show them just how fun it can be. Like all parkruns it’s about participation not performance, so you can assure your loved ones it doesn’t matter how fast they run, or even walk. 

To register, and for more details, head to www.personalbetter.com.au

upcoming special events

launches:
17/09 – Palmerston (NT), You Yangs (Vic), Moree (NSW)
8/10 - Galston (NSW)
22/10 - Orange (NSW)

anniversaries:
03/09 – Blue Gum Hills (NSW) 2nd, Broadbeach Waters (Qld) 2nd, Lochiel (SA) 1st, Warner Lakers (Qld) 1st, Warwick (Qld) 3rd,
10/09 – Bega (NSW) 1st, Inverloch (Vic) 2nd, Wynnum (Qld) 4th,
17/09 – New Farm (Qld) 5th, Pakenham (Vic) 2nd,
24/09 – Ashgrove (Qld) 1st, Bowral (NSW) 2nd, Merimbula (NSW) 3rd, Tamworth (NSW) 2nd, Toowoomba (Qld) 3rd, 

cancellations:
10/09 – Mt Penang, Penrith Lakes (NSW), Diamond Creek (Vic)
17/09 - Penrith Lakes (NSW)
01/10 – Penrith Lakes (NSW)
15/10 – Launceston (Tas), Clare Valley (SA)
12/11 – Mt Penang (NSW)
19/11 – Tamborine Mountain (Qld)

feedback from the field

St Peters parkrun had two runners celebrating their 100th parkrun on Saturday. Sarah Jane Thomsett and Kim Pike have both been run directors, regular volunteers and have encouraged countless people to give parkrun a go - they totally embody the spirit of parkrun.

Many of the people they introduced to parkrun turned out today, many in tutus (because who doesn't love a run in a tutu) to walk or run the course and cheer these 2 fabulous women home. Kim had a particular motivation for getting to her 100th parkrun - she wanted to do it before her twins arrive, which will not be too far away.

Rachel Launder

Not many parkrunners get their 50th run in by their 5th birthday, Its a tight schedule.

You can’t get your own barcode till you are four and Odin Bonar turned 5 the day after his ‘redshirt’ run at Newy - accompanied by his slightly older twin brothers who recently became the youngest identical twins in the parkrun universe to complete their 100th run.

Odie has completed 25 different parkruns with his family and having completed all 12 parkruns in the Region of Runners is a Regionnaire.

#theboyswholookliketripletsbutarent

parkdog of the week

Please allow us to introduce ourselves – we are Basil (on the right) and Sybil (eyeing off the cake) and we own humans at Cleveland parkrun in Queensland! 

We LOVE Saturdays so very much and we know what day of the week it is just by the feeling in the air.

We obey all the rules and run on a short leash (not as quickly as we’d like to, but that’s another story) and we are generally loved by all concerned. 

We both started our lives in a rescue centre and boy were our humans lucky the day/s they chose us – pats, swims, licks and running companions. We love parkrun; it ROCKS. 

Basil and Sybil Weaver

Are you a parkrun-loving dog, aka a parkdog? If so, and you’re clever enough to read this newsletter, we’d love to hear from you. 

Please send your profile to helloAU@parkrun.com with the subject ‘parkdog of the week’. 

And remember, don’t forget your bark-code. 

Woof!

foreign correspondent

Name: Bill (Bullet) Justus

Age: 53

Home parkrun: Okanagan Canada

Occupation: Restaurateur- Chef (Retired Canadian Airforce) 

Number of parkruns (volunteer): 5 dummy and 1 official

Number of parkruns: 0 - I have spent the better part of bringing this to Canada we were the first to get it going here in the beautiful Okanagan. I also have CIDP google it…LOL and have been battling that which makes it Impossible to run.  I will get back this I am sure.

I volunteer at parkrun because: I love running, I love seeing people with a sense of accomplishment on their face a smile a big as the moon. If I could change one thing it would have been here 18 months ago. It gives me HOPE

You should visit my parkrun because: Well I live in and amongst the wine capital of Canada the trail of beautiful and you would get a chance to meet me, I’m a pretty nice fella, a great tour guide, and a little bit crazy.

And when you’re in town you should also check out: Chinamans caves, Wall of a 1000 eyes, Myra canyon, Eks Grill, Okanagan Mtn Park, Angel Springs, and one of the 186 Plus wineries, over 19 golf courses, in the winter we are at 5c to -10 but have 6 world class ski resorts just a 45 min drive away. Run in the morning and ski-board in the afternoon.

parkrun joy

This weekend we teamed up with Medibank, one of our National Sponsors, to launch the first ‘Personal Better Day’.

The day was not about personals bests, but personal betters and we saw regulars, first timers, runners, walkers, young and old, prams, dogs and at Inverloch parkrun, we saw red! If you missed Saturday at parkrun, never fear, because parkrun will be on again next week, same time, same place!  Last week I put a call out for a volunteer position we have opened up to support parkrun Australia HQ and I was totally overwhelmed with the huge response. parkrunners are both amazing and generous, parkrunners truly are special. So here is a story I’d like to share from Tony O’Connell, Victorian TD about one of the many special parkrunners. 

Walk for Joy

To many, the name Joy McKinnon is synonymous with Inverloch parkrun. Our most active parkwalker, Joy was there at our trial event followed by our launch and has since attended almost every parkrun at Inverloch, walking 95 of her 96 events with us (once at Traralgon). She was excited by the prospect of completing her 100th parkrun in time for our 2nd Birthday.

Joy also volunteered 12 times in less than 2 years. Behind the scenes she was active in encouraging local community members to join in our event as well as supporting friends and family members, cheering them on the course. For all these reasons and more, Joy was one of the first to be awarded our parkrunner of the Month award in February 2015.

We are deeply saddened to learn Joy has passed away and our thoughts are with her family and friends.

On Saturday 3rd September parkrunners wore their red 50 shirts (or any red shirt), stepped back a pace and Walked for Joy on the day that would have been Joy's 100th parkrun. Joy's PB was 45:14 and 25 walkers all crossed the line together at exactly 45.14. There were also a number of first timers including Joy’s husband Allen, their son Geoff, their daughter Janene and their families. 

Happy parkrunning,

Renee Gimbert
National Operations Manager

essential stats

upcoming special events launches:

17/09 – Palmerston (NT), You Yangs (Vic), Moree (NSW)
8/10 - Galston (NSW) 22/10 - Orange (NSW)

anniversaries:
10/09 – Bega (NSW) 1st, Inverloch (Vic) 2nd, Wynnum (Qld) 4th,
17/09 – New Farm (Qld) 5th, Pakenham (Vic) 2nd, 24/09 – Ashgrove (Qld) 1st, Bowral (NSW) 2nd, Merimbula (NSW) 3rd, Tamworth (NSW) 2nd, Toowoomba (Qld) 3rd,
01/10 - Champion Lakes parkrun (WA) 1st, Hamilton Island (Qld) 1st, Petrie (Qld) 1st,

cancellations:
10/09 – Mt Penang, Penrith Lakes (NSW), Diamond Creek (Vic)
17/09 - Penrith Lakes (NSW)
01/10 – Penrith Lakes (NSW) 1
5/10 – Launceston (Tas), Clare Valley (SA)
12/11 – Mt Penang (NSW)
19/11 – Tamborine Mountain (Qld)

feedback from the field

I would like to take a moment to thank the great bunch of people, some of whom have become great friends, who organise and participate at Mitchelton parkrun. For the first time in more than 30 years the dreaded number on the scales no longer has 3 digits starting with a '1'.

The inspiration and encouragement of the band of parkrunners over the last 18 months played an enormous part in that achievement. You have taken me from huffing and puffing around the 5ks to preparing for my first marathon.

A weekend is not a good weekend if not started with a parkrun.

Michael Peldan

The Melbourne Midday Milers, an informal running club that meets at 12:30 each weekday at the famous Tan track, this week swapped their running singlets for volunteer vests. The Milers held their first parkrun volunteering day fielding 23 volunteers across parkrun events in Melbourne. The parkrun events included: Westerfolds, Albert, Coburg, Maribyrnong and Berwick Springs.

The Milers are regular participants at parkrun, using it not only for a bit of exercise and social interaction on a Saturday morning, but also for chasing PBs and age grade course records. Having a day set aside for club members to volunteer was seen as a way for the club to demonstrate that it is not just about running but also about giving back to the running community.

parkdog of the week

Hi, I’m Phoebe, a one year old kelpie / huntaway. I run with our family at Lawson parkrun in the Blue Mountains - My mum is a Run Director there.

I have a variety of parkruns versions to my name - sometimes a slow run with mum, a fast run with dad or a fast walk with one of the teenagers. I have has also volunteered as the ‘tail’ runner a number of times...

My mum Kye loves that she can bring me for a decent run with others on a Saturday morning, helping to use up some of my energy and socializing me with lovely people.

I would love to have my own barcode to keep a tally of all my runs, but my Mum thinks I’ve done about 25.

Are you a parkrun-loving dog, aka a parkdog? If so, and you’re clever enough to read this newsletter, we’d love to hear from you. 

Please send your profile to helloAU@parkrun.com with the subject ‘parkdog of the week’. 

And remember, don’t forget your bark-code. 

Woof!

volunteer profile

Name: Ryan Lovatt

Number of runs: 51

parkrun PB: 24:12 with no push chair, about 28 minutes with a push chair.

Why do you come to parkrun: I enjoy getting out and running so getting the chance to do this first thing on Saturday is great. Kids are a great motivator.

Who do you come to parkrun with: 3 of my kids (2, 4, 9), although the 4th (7 months) has just started coming along.

What do you like most about parkrun: the happy cheerful, attitude of everyone there.

Do you do other training – if so, what: go for a run in the evening once a week.

Have you visited any other parkruns: Yes, Altona (nice scenic run but tough with the hill in the middle of the run, good to have playground at the end), Wyndham - Nice run along the river.

Do you have any specific goals or races coming up: Nothing in concrete but I would like to do the hoka one one trail series next year (especially the night run).

How can we improve parkrun: it's pretty awesome right now as it is!

have fun, it's just a run!

This week, like each Saturday we saw first timers, experienced runners and seasoned parkrunners across all our events. First time parkrunner Jay headed to Chelsea Bicentennial parkrun. Can you recall having thoughts similar to hers, running through your mind at your first parkrun?

Driving to the event I honestly had no idea what to expect, my thoughts started running wild.

What if there are all marathon runners? What if I am the only one to show up? What if I can't find the starting and finishing line? What if I get lost on the course?

Pleasantly surprised my expectations were exceeded; the parkrun community were easily identified with lots of marketing signage and volunteers easy to find in their orange high vision vests. A crowd of people dressed in their fitness wear, gathered together at the starting line. Again I am so surprised at how many people knew about this event, and I had never heard of it before. I join the others at the starting line. The air horn goes off, and people start running. I look around me and am excited to see the diverse range of people taking part; from experienced runners, people walking their dogs, people like myself pushing their young ones in a pram, and young kids just wanting to get out and have a run with mum or dad. It was so refreshing to see people of all age groups and backgrounds getting together to take part in this run in the park, each person completing it for their own reasons.

At the other end of Australia, on the Sunshine Coast, a seasoned parkrunner showed his persistence.

"persistence; the continued or prolonged existence of something."

In 2013, Barry Ball began walking the Kawana parkrun course with his wife Helen, finishing in the respectable time of 46 minutes and 44 seconds. The couple have been dedicated participants at the event ever since, and ran their 100th parkruns together in January this year. For some time now, Barry, who is in the VM75-79 age group, has had a different parkrun milestone in mind: to complete the entire course without walking a single step. And on Saturday, his 126th parkrun, Barry achieved this goal. Fantastic effort Barry!

A parkrun goal three years in the making and your persistence got you there. I'm sure the entire parkrun community joins me in congratulating you on achieving your goal!

Happy parkrunning,

Renee Gimbert
National Operations Manager
parkrun Australia

Western Sydney Marathon

Fast approaching is the Western Sydney Marathon to be held on Saturday 1st October at the spectacular Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith Lakes.  

The scenic views of Penrith Lakes, Lower Blue Mountains and surrounding parkland make this event the perfect setting to run in one of our four events, 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km Lap the Lake or the 5km Family Fun Run. 

The Western Sydney Marathon are offering a 10% discount on entry fees for the first 250 parkrunners who register, so get it quick! Register now and when prompted use the promo code "WSMPARKRUN2016" to redeem your discount in the race of your choice!

essential stats

upcoming special events

launches:
17/09 – Palmerston (NT), You Yangs (Vic), Moree (NSW)
8/10 - Galston (NSW)
22/10 - Orange (NSW)

anniversaries:
17/09 – New Farm (Qld) 5th, Pakenham (Vic) 2nd,
24/09 – Ashgrove (Qld) 1st, Bowral (NSW) 2nd, Merimbula (NSW) 3rd, Tamworth (NSW) 2nd, Toowoomba (Qld) 3rd,
01/10 - Champion Lakes (WA) 1st, Hamilton Island (Qld) 1st, Petrie (Qld) 1st,
08/10 – Berwick Springs (Vic) 3rd, Hamilton (Vic) 1st, Kalgoorlie-Boulder (WA) 3rd,
15/10 - Brightwater (Qld) 2nd, Grafton (NSW) 1st, Gungahlin (ACT) 3rd, Kingscliff (NSW) 4th, Mosman (NSW) 3rd, North Lakes (Qld) 4th, Paradise Point (Qld) 1st, 

cancellations:
17/09 - Penrith Lakes (NSW)
01/10 – Penrith Lakes (NSW)
15/10 – Launceston (Tas), Clare Valley (SA)
12/11 – Mt Penang (NSW)
19/11 – Tamborine Mountain (Qld)

feedback from the field

I started parkrun (Ballarat) a few months ago after seeing it pop up on my Facebook feed. I was feeling a bit sluggish after a long recovery after my second baby and needed some motivation.

Well parkrun certainly gave me that motivation. I made a couple of PBs in my first few weeks - this really pushed me. Then my husband started to get interested in parkrun after seeing how much I was enjoying it.

My husband, the anti-exerciser, was going to get up early on a Saturday morning with two kids in tow, to go for a run! I was gob smacked!

Well since then hubby and I have tried hard to get to parkrun every week, most of the time with our two little rug rats (almost 3 and almost 1). parkrun has helped motivate both of us to do local charity runs.

Our next one is 12km Run Ballarat which we are both looking forward to. Neither of us would be where we are without parkrun!

Christine Hutchinson

Daisy and Sue-Ellen have been at Lismore parkrun for five events now. I first noticed Daisy at our first timers briefing (I love dogs) I could see she was a little unsure and held her tail between her legs (Daisy was adopted).

When we commenced parkrun, Daisy was looking behind her and was a little nervous with people running behind and around her. Over the past few parkruns I have noticed Daisy become more at ease and even smile as she ran / galloped down towards the finish line with Sue-Ellen.

I commented to Sue-Ellen on how far Daisy has come and she is becoming more confident, comfortable and even enjoys her free timed weekly run / walk with Sue-Ellen and many Lismore parkrunners and dogs too!! Sue-Ellen loves parkrun and say “it’s something we can both do together and it is great that parkrun is inclusive of our four legged friends”.

parkrun changes not only human's lives, but animal's lives too! And it has been absolutely remarkable the change in Daisy over the past few months!! parkrun has been life changing for Daisy and Sue-Ellen and it is always wonderful to see them both at parkrun on a Saturday morning!

Belinda Smith
Event Director, Lismore parkrun

parkdog of the week

My name is Sadie, I’m a 5 year old Cavalier King Charles.

I started coming to Chermside parkrun a few months ago with my Mum (aka Melissa) to walk as she is currently pregnant and wanted a walking companion.

As soon as she starts getting ready each Saturday morning I bark with excitement!

I love coming along each week. I let her think it’s to keep her company... but really it’s to get pats from all the people!

People know me so well now that I get to sprint to the finish line with them all calling my name!

volunteer profile

Name: Belinda Mikaelian
Running Club: (none- I’m not a runner. I just run!)
Age: 42
Home parkrun: Raymond Terrace
Occupation: Clinical Nurse Specialist
Number of runs: 12
PB: 25:38
Number of times volunteered: 4
Favourite volunteer role: Handing out tokens. I love to see the relief and happiness on the face of those that have given it their all and finished. I enjoy being the person to congratulate them on their efforts at the end.

What do you like about volunteering at parkrun? I love the community feel. I love the smiles you get when you are there cheering people on. I have met some truly amazing souls and enjoy having a chat on a Saturday morning. I feel part of the parkrun team when I volunteer and that’s a great feeling, as parkrun is giving so much to our community.

I’ve heard, or read a number of stories this week about parkrunning bringing people together, whether it is neighbors or long lost friends, I love these stories & I hope you do too. 

Michaela Wilson – Before launching Meadowbrook parkrun, I was a regular at Logan River which is about 10km away. I have so many friends there that I was really torn to start my own event but I jumped on board. A few weeks ago I was approached by a parkrunner who was new to parkrun when Meadowbrook launched. She had met her neighbours at parkrun that morning! She introduced me as "Here's Michaela, the reason we're here! She's the wonderful person who started all of this". She then thanked me over and over, telling me what a wonderful thing it is that I've done, bringing neighbours together. At that moment, I realised, while yes I do miss my former home parkrun, starting this has brought so many new people to parkrun, people who wouldn't have started coming if we hadn't started Meadowbrook. It is all worth it!

Jenni Fitch - I was a parkrun tourist recently. My regular parkrun is Yarrabilba but I ran in Darwin. Imagine my sheer delight when the the RD was a friend who we'd lost contact with. Her husband and my husband worked together in North QLD and she came to my baby shower. That baby is now 13 and he ran as well. It was wonderful to catch up.

Our family recently gathered in Taree NSW to celebrate my dad’s 80th birthday – being regular parkrunners at our home events (Rocks Riverside Brisbane, Cooks River Sydney and Newy in Newcastle parkrun) we were all keen to have a go at Taree parkrun. There were 16 of us across the three families on Saturday morning – and lots of fun (and a bit of competition!!) between uncles, aunties, cousins and brothers-in-law!! And a few surprising PB’s too. The volunteers at Taree parkrun were very friendly and welcoming, and we really enjoyed running along the beautiful riverbank – a great start to a special weekend, and thanks to parkrun for providing fun family memories.

I love that fact that not only does parkrun give you a free, timed, 5km weekly event, it also allows you to start new friendships and rekindle old ones.  Lastly, the lucky winner of the Medibank Melbourne Marathon Festival competition winning flights, accommodation and entry for two into the Melbourne Marathon event of their choice is Gail Severino. Well Done Gail – We’d love to hear an update from you after the event. 

Happy parkrunning,

Renee Gimbert
National Operations Manager
parkrun Australia

physical activity and health research

The beneficial effects of physical activity on health are well known. As one of the most popular pastimes, the benefits of running are well established. Anecdotally, many believe that running is bad for their knees and can lead to pain and osteoarthritis despite the limited evidence suggesting that this is not the case.

We are experienced sports medicine clinicians and academics based at the University of Nottingham (UK). We seek to understand the relationship between physical activity, such as running and chronic diseases, such as osteoarthritis.

All parkrunners are invited to get involved in our research, plus your friends and family. One aim will evaluate individuals who participate regularly in recreational running and the development of knee osteoarthritis over time. We hope to help guide healthcare professionals in the care of athletes and ensure runners participate in confidence and safety.

Following the launch of our UK-based project last year, we are now progressing our research with the assistance of the University of Sydney.

If you are aged 18 or over, we encourage you to sign up, whether or not you have any health or knee problems. Also please sign up regardless of how often you run (or even if you never run!). We want to recruit people who are very active, those who are inactive, and everyone in-between!

To enrol in the study, please follow this link and complete the questionnaire.

Richard Leech, 

PhD Researcher Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis
University of Nottingham, UK

essential stats

upcoming special events

launches:
24/09 – You Yangs (Vic), Moree (NSW)  
8/10 - Galston (NSW)
22/10 - Orange (NSW)

anniversaries:
24/09 – Ashgrove (Qld) 1st, Bowral (NSW) 2nd, Merimbula (NSW) 3rd, Tamworth (NSW) 2nd, Toowoomba (Qld) 3rd, 
01/10 - Champion Lakes (WA) 1st, Hamilton Island (Qld) 1st, Petrie (Qld) 1st,
08/10 – Berwick Springs (Vic) 3rd, Hamilton (Vic) 1st, Kalgoorlie-Boulder (WA) 3rd, 
15/10 - Brightwater (Qld) 2nd, Grafton (NSW) 1st, Gungahlin (ACT) 3rd, Kingscliff (NSW) 4th, North Lakes (Qld) 4th, Paradise Point (Qld) 1st, 
22/10 - Mosman (NSW) 3rd, 

cancellations:
01/10 – Penrith Lakes (NSW) 
15/10 – Launceston (Tas), Clare Valley (SA)
12/11 – Mt Penang (NSW)
19/11 – Tamborine Mountain (Qld)

feedback from the field

4 parkruns, 4 different countries across 4 consecutive weeks

While on holidays recently, my son and I took up the challenge of completing 4 parkruns in 4 different countries across 4 consecutive weeks.

We completed the Elgin parkrun in the highlands of Scotland, followed the next week by the Knocknacarra parkrun, near Galway in Ireland, then the Fulham Palace parkrun in London England and then finished off with our local Ashgrove, Queensland parkrun while suffering from jetlag, having only flown back in Brisbane the day before.

Our parkrun cousins in the UK and Ireland enthusiastically welcomed us at each of our runs and were excited to have overseas participants from Australia.

Peter and Chris Lamont

Event #163 of Krakow parkrun included 47 locals, one visitor from England and two World Youth Day pilgrims from Brisbane, Australia.

Due to the World Youth Day celebrations which saw over 1.5 million young Catholics (and Pope Francis) visiting Krakow, the normal parkrun course could not be used.

Instead, we headed for the hills, specifically Kosciusko Mound which overlooks the stunning cityscape of Krakow. Of interesting note, Australia’s highest mountain is also named Kosciusko, after the same historical Polish figure. Our “Aussie’ pronunciation of ‘Kozzi-okso’ is a little different to the correct Polish pronunciation though!

As Wishart and Chermside regulars, the trail running aspect and hills were daunting, and we focused on finishing and enjoying the experience of an international parkrun. Upon closer inspection of the all important post event stats, it turns out that the elevation change was over 300m, with maximum heart rate a feature for most of the run.

Fabulous features of Krakow parkrun are that all participants shake hands with everyone else when arriving, and everyone remains until the tail runner finishes. This means lots of clapping and celebrating for each person when they cross the finish line. A group photo is taken after each run, and our Australian flag, souvenir gifts and some of the World Youth Day merchandise featured in the photo.

It is hard to describe the feelings of happiness and belonging that we felt despite being at a parkrun where we didn’t understand the language. The overwhelming sense of global community that parkrun provides cannot be understated, and we highly recommend parkrun adventuring or voluntouring as part of any good pilgrimage or holiday!

Monique Brennan & Alana McDonald

(Wishart run director & Chermside parkrunner)

parkdog of the week

I am HRH Jay (I have heard my human’s husband call her a princess so I figure that makes me a prince!).

My home run is Shepparton  parkrun, it is a lovely flat course that we need to run around twice and there are 3 BBQ areas we pass – sometimes a careless human has dropped a sausage which I tidy up!

My human walks me around the course before the parkrun so I get all my er, business out of the way, but I always keep some in reserve for the official run!

We pass the finish chute twice before we actually run up it – I try to drag my human up each time we go past – that is the place where you get all the adulation and pats – what is wrong with her???

We also go past the fence of the local outdoor swimming pool and sometimes wascally wabbits are in there – lucky there is a good fence or I would be all over them like sauce on a sausage……mmmm sausage. . . .drool ... I always enjoy the adoration of my parkrun subjects and with such vigorous activity on a Saturday morning, my human and I have really earned our Saturday afternoon nap. 

PS – it is not a bib – it is a bandanna!

volunteer profile

Name - Michaela Wilson

Age - 41

Occupation - Accounts Clerk

Home parkrun - Meadowbrook (Qld)

Number of parkruns (runner) - 89

PB time - 24:17

Number of parkruns (volunteer) - 32

Favourite volunteer role - Timekeeper because I love encouraging parkrunners to finish strong!

I volunteer at parkrun because - I love the community spirit and I enjoy helping people come together, make new friendships, and improve their health and well-being, because that is exactly what parkrun has given me.

One thing I love about parkrun is - The number one is the friendships I've made - runners are beautiful people!

My most memorable parkrun moment was - Meadowbrook launch - the amazing turnout, and thinking how far I've come. From a non-runner less than 3 years ago, to now never missing a parkun, and Event Directing a new event.

It’s been a big week in the parkrun world, from our first Aussie Event Director reaching five years of service, to a proposal then a baby…. All in a parkrun day! 

On Saturday my husband and I attended South Bank parkrun for event number #200 and to join in the celebrations for Gareth Saunders, our longest standing Event Director who has reached 5 years.

Here is a special thanks from Tim Oberg: Gareth launched New Farm parkrun on the 17th of September 2011 and it quickly grew the event to be the largest parkrun in Australia, even as we grew into Sydney and Melbourne. By the one year anniversary of the event it was averaging over 300 runners and 10 volunteers per week, figures that most events struggle to achieve even today. 

On the 3rd of November 2012 Gareth launched South Bank parkrun and is of course still the Event Director to this day making him the longest serving volunteer with parkrun in Australia. During his tenure with parkrun Gareth has also served as volunteer Operations Manager, supporting me personally during times of unprecedented growth. Gareth also served as President of our Board for two years, transforming our governance and recruiting a high caliber of Board members around him.

Today parkrun is one of the largest and most successful community sporting organisations in Australia with 185 events and almost 365,000 members. I can safely say that no one person has contributed more to this success than Gareth Saunders and we certainly would not be in the position we are today if it were not for him. Finally, I would like to extend special thanks to Gareth's wife Mel for loaning Gareth to us over the last 5 years. We all know that it really is a team effort and Mel's contribution should not be underestimated."

That message stretches to all our partners, families, husbands & wives, being an Event Director is a team effort, so if you are the other half of an ED, Thank you! 

parkrunner James Hogan proposed to his girlfriend Elizabeth Worrall, pictured above at Toowoomba on Saturday, The couple in the background, looking in on the proposal are two Gatton parkrunners who met at parkrun, got married and are having a parkrun baby!    James and I had been going to the same church for about a year but never spoken to each other (even though I'd been scoping him out for a few months before we started dating!). When we eventually started talking James told me about this parkrun he'd been doing (which I'd never heard of!) and invited me to come along the following week with him. He picked me up that morning before the run and I remember the first lap around we would chat casually, getting to know each other, but the second lap was significantly more quiet (both of us were out of breath! We did have a really nice time together after the run though and spent about an hour and a half sitting in Queen's Park, chatting and eating nectarines. parkrun has been great for us, James is definitely more committed at getting up early on a Saturday morning but we've done PBs together and pushed each other along.

Elizabeth Worrall

Now to the baby… Tony started running Dec 2013 when a friend of his nagged him to sign up for parkrun. Being quite competitive, he was quickly hooked. I started in January 2015 when a friend talked me into signing up for the GCAM half in July. Not realising how silly that was, I agreed and decided to use parkrun as part of my training. Tony and I met in February at our local parkrun (Gatton, where Tony is now a run director), and started dating shortly after GCAM. I'd love to say we spent a lot of time running together while we were dating, but he's way too fast for me. It's nice having someone cheering you home though! On a trip to New Zealand to meet each other’s families we enjoyed playing tourist at Western Springs parkrun. Tony proposed in March this year, just before heading to Canberra for the half marathon (and of course Ginninderra parkrun). We married at palm cove in late August (sneaking in a Cairns parkrun!), and were also able to announce that I was 13 weeks pregnant. We weren't able to keep this a secret for long at parkrun, as our friends quickly noticed my times slowing and the stops to accommodate my nausea! 

We are looking forward to continuing our active lifestyle (planning our holidays around parkruns) and I joke about adding an extra line to the volunteer sheet for anybody wanting to push the 'parkrun baby'! It's also very comforting to know we have this wonderful extended family within parkrun. We're both extremely grateful to parkrun, as I can't see how we would have met otherwise.

Amanda Worsley

This Saturday is the start of October and with it brings Bushy parkruns’ anniversary, also known as International parkrun Day. This marks 12 incredible years of parkrun, so which ever event you attend, or if this is your 5th or 50th parkrun - happy International parkrun Day!

Happy parkrunning,

Renee Gimbert
National Operations Manager
parkrun Australia

how parkrun has improved my life 

On Saturday, I ran my 50th parkrun. After being obese for nearly my whole life, I shed over 60kg in 2015 and 2016, and my health and fitness are the best they’ve ever been.

parkrun has been an integral component in my transformation, because it helped change the whole way I looked at physical activity — not as a dreaded chore, but as something to enjoy and look forward to. When I was dragging myself to the gym for mind-numbing sessions on the treadmill, I relied entirely on willpower and routine to keep me going: there was no pleasure in it whatsoever. I’m glad I didn’t have to find out how much longer I could have done that before willpower inevitably ran out.

I didn’t love running straight away: that took a few months. Before that happened, parkrun supplied two other important sources of motivation. First, parkrun gave me a sense of achievement and self-improvement that was far more powerful than anything I ever got on a treadmill. Second, the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere at New Farm parkrun made me feel like I had been accepted into a real community: it soon felt like home.

Eventually the bug did bite, and I started to love running. From there, 10km events and half-marathons soon followed, and I plan to tackle my first full marathon next year. I couldn’t even have imagined this at the start of last year. I don’t recognise myself, outside or in!

My 50th parkrun is an important milestone to me because it tells me that this is a lasting change in my life. So thank-you, New Farm parkrunners, and especially the events team. You’ve built an amazing community and my life is so much better for being part of it!

To pay it forward, I make an effort to say “hi” to new faces and ask them how their run went: I know it can make a world of difference!

Rudi Landmann

essential stats

upcoming special events

launches:
8/10 - Galston (NSW)
22/10 - Orange (NSW)
5/11 - Willoughby (NSW), Karkarook (Vic)

anniversaries:
01/10 - Champion Lakes (WA) 1st, Hamilton Island (Qld) 1st, Petrie (Qld) 1st,
08/10 – Berwick Springs (Vic) 3rd, Hamilton (Vic) 1st, Kalgoorlie-Boulder (WA) 3rd,
15/10 - Brightwater (Qld) 2nd, Grafton (NSW) 1st, Gungahlin (ACT) 3rd, Kingscliff (NSW) 4th, North Lakes (Qld) 4th, Paradise Point (Qld) 1st,
22/10 - Mosman (NSW) 3rd, 

cancellations:
01/10 – Penrith Lakes (NSW)
15/10 – Launceston (Tas), Clare Valley (SA)
12/11 – Mt Penang (NSW)
19/11 – Tamborine Mountain (Qld)

feedback from the field

Recently both Madison McAuliffe (9) and Alex Langford (6) completed their 50th parkrun. To celebrate this milestone, it was announced in the school newsletter and 15 kids from Riverton Primary School attended. The sports teacher Mr Brooks who travelled 40 mins also attended along with the Principal Mr Grundy. It’s great to see teachers and so many children attend and support their peers.

Natalie McAuliffe

Thanks to everyone who suggested Mt Clarence as the place to run whilst travelling WA. I ran my 100th parkrun with my daughter! Such a stunning run and friendly parkrun community. Thanks to the run team and volunteers today - those mountain inclines really tested my holiday legs! A far cry from the super flat home run of New Farm in Brisbane.

Helen Velkov

parkdog of the week

Hi, my name is Reacher and I am a husky cross, which makes me adorable with 2 different coloured eyes. My human’s daughter picked me up on the side of the highway one night because she didn’t want to see me hurt, such a lovely human.

They did find my humans owners but it was ok for this family too keep me. I love my parkrun Saturday and if my human is volunteering and I can’t go I cry like the big sook that I am. I get very excited when we arrive and whimper with excitement to say hi to everyone.

I drag my human for the first 200 meters until I need to stop and relieve my excitement, well known for this, then I am off again. I know where the water stops are and I get very competitive when other humans or dogs pass us and try to take off in another direction when I see a bird, that bird is mine! 

My fastest time is 28:46 and I know I can go faster, I have done about 25 parkruns now, I am up to 15km and hoping to complete a half marathon with my human soon. I do think my human is weird when she does random jumps when we run, maybe I should learn to do them too. I love the attention and bacon that I receive at breakfast from all the volunteers and friends after our run each week.

volunteer profile

Name - Andrew Kariko
Age - 44
Occupation - Electrician
Home parkrun - Varsity Lakes parkrun.
Number of parkruns (runner) - 161
PB time - 21:11

Number of parkruns (volunteer) - 30-40ish. Ok I've added them all up, twice and it comes to 37. Wow, that's heaps.

Favourite volunteer role - I don't really have a favourite role. When I write my name down to volunteer, I usually write down 'whatever'.

I volunteer at parkrun because - Pretty simple really. No volunteers, no parkrun. I get a lot from parkrun so I'm happy to return the favour.  Over the last five years I've missed nearly two year’s worth of parkruns due to work, so to volunteer every now and then is no big deal. And you can volunteer five times in one year and still get fifty runs, Weather permitting, and take advantage of the Christmas Day run and the New Year's Day double up.

One thing I love about parkrun is - Its consistent, every week is good. If you run at your home event or be a tourist at another. 

My most memorable parkrun moment was - There's not one moment that stands out. But I do get a big kick out of helping someone get a PB, usually a junior runner. Realising that they can push way outside of their comfort zone. I can't keep up with a few of those kids now.

Over the years I’ve had the privilege of sharing with you many accounts of people who have found parkrun to be an important tool in their battle against mental health related issues. Never in a million years did I imagine that I would be sharing with you mine. But here goes...

It all started back on Thursday the 11th of August. My wife and children dropped me at the airport to jump on a flight down to Sydney for a few meetings (you may remember as I wrote about these in this newsletter the following week). As I’ve done countless times before, I gave them all a kiss and a wave goodbye, cleared security and took a seat. As I waited my thoughts started to wander and before I knew it, my heart was racing, my throat was tightening and my head was telling me not to get on the plane. I had no idea what was happening or why and I was overcome with both fear and confusion. In a nutshell I was having a panic attack and, as I now know, this was the beginning of anxiety disorder. Somehow I still managed to get on the flight, and somehow I managed not to disembark in a panic as the remaining passengers also boarded. The flight itself was horrific; I kept my head buried in the in-flight magazine trying desperately to take my mind off what was really happening. By the time I landed and disembarked in Sydney I felt like I had run a marathon and was completely overcome with exhaustion. Over the next 48 hours I managed to ‘act’ my way through a series of meetings and social engagements, including a visit to Rhodes parkrun. I did a pretty good job of remaining calm on the outside but on the inside I was falling to pieces. By the time I returned home on Saturday evening I was a wreck, not knowing what had happened and, most scarily, what lay ahead.

Over the past seven weeks my world has been more or less on hold. I’ve been on leave (did anyone notice?), receiving treatment from both a naturopath and psychologist, and most importantly, taken the time to reflect on what led to my breakdown at the airport on the 11th of August. What’s become very clear is that the anxiety reared its head as a result of years of high intensity, high pressure work. I had created a lifestyle for myself where work and life were one in the same; there was no finish of one and start of the other. Over time this work-life-blend simply wore me down and my body responded through anxiety and panic. It has been a massive wakeup call and, although it’s been a terrible time, I’m relieved that I’ve been able to get on top of things before it was too late.

So why am I telling you this in the parkrun newsletter? Well firstly, if I’m going through this, it’s a safe bet that many of you are, or have been through, something similar. I’m lucky in that I was able to quickly identify my issues, face up to them, seek help and make the necessary changes. I couldn’t have done this without the support of my family, friends and parkrun colleagues; for this I am extremely grateful. So if you’re going through this now I want you to know that there is no shame in asking for help. I’ve received some benefit or level of support from every single person I’ve spoken with. Secondly, one of the biggest factors in starting to overcome this has been exercise, especially at parkrun. Without even knowing it, the smiles, laughter and friendships I received at parkrun have made my days better, even when I wasn’t feeling great at the time.

I know this letter has been a bit indulgent however I hope that these words help a few of you out there going through a tough time. I’m well on the road to recovery but certainly not out of the woods yet. Every day is presenting me with challenges, some bigger than others, however I’m confident that I’m on track. This week I’m back on deck as CEO of parkrun and I want to pay tribute to Renee Gimbert who has done an amazing job steadying the ship in my absence. I also want to thank Gareth Candy and the parkrun Australia Board for their support through this time. 

Onwards and upwards!

Tim Oberg
parkrun Australia CEO

parkrun milestones

It is not every day you get to celebrate achieving two parkrun milestones, however on International parkrun day, Zara Curtis, a JW10 runner, did just that at Point Cook.  Zara notched up 50 parkruns and ran as the 40 minute pacer to support others and also achieve 25 volunteers.  The parkruns were spread across 14 different courses in Victoria with a PB of 35:52 and volunteering across a number of different roles, with photographer the most popular.  

The spirit of parkrun is strong in her household, with her father, Craig a Territory Director, mother, Nicki a Run Director and brother, Hugh also an avid participant and volunteer all present to mark the occasion.  Whether running or volunteering, Zara always encourages others and has a positive attitude and smile on her face. Zara is a valued member of the Point Cook parkrun community and it is pleasing to see her achieve these significant milestones, well done.

Kate Scholtens & Dani McLaren
Event Directors Point Cook parkrun

essential stats

Upcoming special events

Launches:
8/10 - Galston (NSW)
22/10 - Orange (NSW)
5/11 - Willoughby (NSW), Karkarook (Vic)
12/11 – Nepean River (NSW) 26/11 - Kamay (NSW)

Anniversaries:
08/10 – Berwick Springs (Vic) 3rd, Hamilton (Vic) 1st, Kalgoorlie-Boulder (WA) 3rd,  15/10 - Brightwater (Qld) 2nd, Grafton (NSW) 1st, Gungahlin (ACT) 3rd, Kingscliff (NSW) 4th, North Lakes (Qld) 4th, Paradise Point (Qld) 1st,
22/10 - Mosman (NSW) 3rd, Bunbury (WA) 3rd, Darwin (NT) 3rd, Highfields (Qld) 1st, Kawana (Qld) 4th, Mudgeeraba (Qld) 3rd, Westerfolds (Vic) 3rd,
29/10 – Port Macquarie (NSW) 1st,
5/11 – Maitland (NSW) 3rd, South Bank (Qld) 4th
12/11 - Diamond Creek (Vic) 3rd, Geographe Bay (WA) 2nd
19/11 – Launceston (TAS) 4th, Albert Melbourne (Vic) 5th, Calamvale (Qld) 2nd, Nambour (Qld) 1st, 

Cancellations:
8/10 – You Yangs (Vic)
15/10 – Launceston (Tas), Clare Valley (SA)
12/11 – Mt Penang (NSW)
19/11 – Tamborine Mountain (Qld)

feedback from the field

After an 8 hour drive to Sydney to pick up my wife Kerry and her friend Lisa from a cruise, my reward was some parkrun adventures to Sandon point parkrun. 

Allan Connolly

Lovely community at Victor Harbor parkrun SA, recently completing parkrun #99 for me and #49 for Paul. Running our home course next week for our milestones (Berwick Springs)

Melissa Ellis

parkdog of the week

Mishka is a 3 year old German Shepherd and is one of Lawson parkrun's most regular attendees who knows our fabulous 'trail' parkrun like the back of her hand. Not only does Mishka love doing parkrun, but as she lives with one of Lawson's run directors and she is also a competent and reliable official who is big on enforcing the 'short lead and run to the left of your human' policy.

In fact, Mishka is quite often found to be barking orders to other dogs ... in a friendly way. In this picture Mishka was a run official for our Easter parkrun that was organised and officiated completely by junior parkrunners. She was more than happy to get into the spirit of the day by dressing up as a rabbit - a costume she kept on for her run as well!  Mishka would like to encourage parkrun tourists to visit the Blue Mountains and meet her at 8am every Saturday morning!

volunteer profile

Name -  Craig Murrell  

Age -  47  

Occupation -  Project Manager / Engineer (Self employed)

Home parkrun -  Gladstone Qld 

Number of parkruns (runner) - Somewhere after having a black shirt 

PB time - a tad under 22min  

Number of parkruns (volunteer) - I have a purple shirt, as well. (a lot more than are registered)  

Favourite volunteer role -  not sure - there are none that are difficult. 

I volunteer at parkrun because -  I like to give back a little bit.  It’s also nice to know that there is something that you do that directly benefits so many people. 

One thing I love about parkrun is -  sense of community, friendship and no pretentiousness!  

My most memorable parkrun moment was -  no single one.  It’s always good seeing people improve on their time and/or ability.