Long time Campbelltown resident Angela Young has been taking part in the Campbelltown parkrun since 2017, and can’t speak highly enough of what is now a global phenomenon.
“Runners and walkers come together to complete 5km; it’s not a race, you get the results of your time and can try to improve it each week, or just enjoy the fresh air and exercise with friends,’’ she says.
“You never come last as there are always volunteers to be tail walkers, getting everyone across the line in the final place.
“Campbelltown parkrun always tries to make an enjoyable experience for our locals and visitors,’’ says Ms Young.
“With the support of the local run club, Campbelltown Joggers, there are always plenty of volunteers to make it a well organised and fun event.’’
Campbelltown parkrun was started by Bob Prentice in 2014, and he is still the director 11 years later.
“We are very grateful to have him week in and week out ensuring our event goes ahead,’’ says Ms Young.
Mr Prentice recently clocked up 500 volunteer credits at parkrun, and he did it on the same day as his good friend Mark Gooch celebrated taking part in his 500th parkrun!
Parkrun was started in the UK by a group of friends in 2004 as a timed 5km run which is co-ordinated by volunteers in various parks all over the world every Saturday morning.
It came to Australia in 2011 and there are now 518 parkruns to choose from here.
Locally we have Campbelltown held at Raby Oval for the early birds at 7am, with Cowpasture Camden on the Camden Bike track, Picton at the Picton Botanic Gardens, and at the Australian Botanic Gardens Mt Annan all starting at 8am.
A recent parkrun at Raby Oval coincided with National Koala Day. And two regular participants dressed up as giant koalas to mark the occasion, but also to emphasise that parkrun is a fun event.
If that sound like something for you, visit https://www.parkrun.com.au/ and consider joining a parkrun in Campbelltown or Macarthur.
