An epic clash is set to take place tomorrow night at BB Print stadium, when the NRL returns for its only fixture to be played in Mackay this year.

If history is anything to go by, tomorrow’s game will be no walk-over. Both meetings between the Sydney Roosters and the Gold Coast Titans in 2021 resulted in nail-biting one-point thrillers between the two teams, with the Roosters getting up 35-34 in Round 14, and then again defeating the Titans 25-24 in week 1 of the NRL Final Series.

BB Print Stadium is a home-away-from-home for the Roosters who played three matches in Mackay during the 2021 relocated season. So are the boys from Sydney feeling cocky or will the giants from the Gold Coast win this clash of the Titans?

There’s no better place to see the action than from the sideline. The Roosters will be holding an open training session at BB Print Stadium on Friday, May 6 from 4.30pm-5.00pm.

Who Will Be Crowing After Tomorrow’s Clash?

After two close losses, the Sydney Roosters will be looking to return to the winner’s circle in what is shaping up to be an important match tomorrow night. Eight games into the 2022 season, the Roosters have a 4-4 record. The Gold Coast Titans will also be desperate for a win, having only notched up two wins so far this season.

The Roosters say they have been working hard to find form, with players like Luke Keary and Sam Verrills having returned after long-term injuries

Roosters captain James Tedesco continues to lead with his actions – he has notched up 300 running metres in each of the last two appearances, as well as three line-breaks.

Tedesco says he loves to play at BB Print Stadium.

“We’re excited to be heading back to Mackay this weekend,” he said.

“It’s a great stadium in a region that’s passionate about rugby league. The crowd gets right into it and as a player, you love being able to feel and hear that energy when you’re out on the field.”

“We had such strong support from our members and fans when we played at BB Print Stadium in 2021.”

“We can’t wait to run out on Saturday night.”

“We haven’t been happy with what we’ve dished up these last few weeks, but we’ve identified what we need to do. We’ve been working really hard and we’re looking forward to putting on a good show this weekend.”

Some key match-ups in the game to watch will be Lock Forwards Victor Radley and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and the clash of the Fullbacks, James Tedesco and AJ Brimson.

Roosters Head Coach Trent Robinson believes his team can put on a strong performance this weekend in front of a passionate Mackay crowd.

“There’s no doubt that regional areas like Mackay are so important, that’s where the lifeblood of our game is.”

“Mackay was like a second home to us in 2021, and the support we received from our Members and fans in the region was incredible.”

“We’re excited to be heading back to Mackay. It definitely feels like a home-away-from-home and we’re looking forward to connecting with the community in lead-up to our game by holding an open training session on Friday afternoon.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said it was fantastic to welcome the NRL back to Mackay in 2022.

“The Roosters and Titans clash is one of the NRL premiership games the State Government secured for regional Queensland after the State hosted the 2021 NRL finals series and the Grand Final.

“We’ve locked in an NRL game for Mackay this season because we know big sporting events bring the community together and attract visitors who contribute to the Covid recovery of our tourism economy.

“This is a wonderful investment in rugby league and Mackay’s tourism and hospitality industry.”  

Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the big winners in Mackay this weekend are league fans, accommodation and transport providers, hotels, cafes, restaurants and local tourism operators.

“When football supporters come to Mackay to see the big game in action, they also spend time enjoying the region’s breath-taking visitor experiences.

“This weekend is a celebration of our Grand Final legacy and the important part Queensland played in keeping the 2021 NRL premiership season safe from the pandemic.”          

ROOSTERS OPEN TRAINING SESSION

The Sydney Roosters will hold an open training session in the lead-up to their Round 9 fixture against the Gold Coast Titans.

The Mackay community will be able to watch their favourite Roosters players as they finalise their preparations during the team’s Captain’s Run which will be held at BB Print Stadium this Friday, May 6 at 4.00pm.

Sydney Roosters Open Training Session

Friday, May 6 at 4.00pm

BB Print Stadium, Mackay

Everyone welcome

Tickets to Mackay’s only 2022 NRL fixture, to be played at BB Print Stadium on Saturday, May 7 at 5.30pm, can be purchased via www.themecc.com.au.

Action from the Roosters in 2021 at BB Print Stadium. Photos: Amanda Wright

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Six Whitsunday locals took to the Queensland Games last weekend to compete in the A and B grade singles and B grade doubles in badminton, claiming two bronze medals and a silver.

The North Queensland Games were held in Townsville across the Labour Day Weekend, where local Dylan Wu took home the bronze win in the Men’s B Grade Badminton Singles for the Whitsundays, while Frederick Yau won silver in the same division.

The pair also linked up in the Men’s B Grade Doubles to win the bronze medal as a partnership.

An extremely technical sport requiring excellent motor coordination and the development of sophisticated racquet movements, badminton as a spectator sport is not to be missed.

Police Sergeant Billy Li was another of the Whitsunday competitors who took to the court on the weekend at the North Queensland Games.

Sergeant Li said that the Whitsunday side represented themselves excellently on the day.

“We all played some really great badminton, especially Frederick and Dylan who did well to come away with bronze and silver,” he said

Sergeant Li also said that the local PCYC hosts badminton training sessions each Tuesday where the sounds of fierce shuttlecock rallies thwack out across the hall.

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The Whitsunday Outriggers Canoe Club hosted a well-attended Outrigger Regatta on Saturday. The event took place at two locations - Shingley Beach and Shute Harbour.

It was a weekend of spectacle for onlookers at the lagoon who were treated to the colourful coterie of canoers.

Saturday, 29 six-man outrigger canoe boats, with a total of 174 paddlers, took to the waves and competed for glory – and for a bit of fun.

There were 27 events in total at the paddling regatta, with event number 13 a smash hit as the one-man outrigger race hosted 46 competitors.

Matt Abbott took the winning time, crossing the waves in 21:52, comfortably beating his nearest opponent by a cool 30 seconds.

Another of the day’s biggest events was the two person women crewed outriggers, featuring 28 hopefuls.

There was a total of 30 canoes that competed in event 1 as well – an 8 kilometre total race from Shute Harbour to Airlie Beach that finished with the Mission Beach side coming in with a winning time of 1:26:58.

In this race Outrigger Whitsunday had five crews representing the local club – which has run for more than 20 years - in various age divisions.

A special mention goes out to the spectacular novice crew on the day, who managed to take out the gold after overtaking crews who had started five minutes earlier.

The day started at Shute Harbour with the Shute 2 Airlie Race

It was a big turnout for the outriggers, pictured here at Shingley Beach in the second half of the day

Outriggers paddling through Shute Harbour

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Although the wind was swirling around, the threatening clouds stayed away for last week’s Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race, providing challenging conditions for those who ventured out to sea. This week’s fleet count was 14 boats with a total crew list of 82 sailors.

A competitive starting line in Division 2 saw several boats vying for the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize, with the final judgement going to Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) by the smallest of margins from Wide Load (Shannan Hart) and Reignition (Charles Wallis).  

While Smooth Criminal held the lead on the water throughout the race, they were pushed all the way by QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) and Reignition, with just 15 seconds separating 1st and 2nd at the finish.  

A lonely race for Treasure VIII (Rob Davis) in fourth as the first three boats were just too fast, but they had a break over the rest of the fleet. On corrected time, however, Reignition took the honours with just 4 seconds separating Twister (Kevin Fogarty) in second and QMS Ponyo in third.

A strong start by Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) saw them leading the way to the first mark, along with Aquatarius (Tom Parker) and Shiraz (John Cable).  

By the end of the first lap, Aquatarius held the lead, finally crossing the finishing line 20 seconds ahead. The real action was further back, with Rossgo (Greg Hammon), Lighthorse (Di Forster) and Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) in close proximity.  

When it came to the corrected time results, Lama (Heather Sutton), the slowest boat on the water, took the honours by just 1 second from Aquatarius, while third placed Shiraz was only 4 seconds behind.

Full results are available online. Races start from 4:30pm each Wednesday afternoon, so those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 3:00pm.

Contributed by Ross Chisholm.

Rossgo and Lighthorse Battling for Position

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Miles Junior and I slalomed between the bollards at somewhere between 70 and 80 kilometres per hour, and he shouted, “We’re not going to make it”.

I was holding desperately onto the grab handle above the passenger side door, an area that competitors at Tonker Park call “The Jesus Handle”.

Fortunately, we did make it though, and afterwards I felt that Miles and I had a deep connection, as if we had shared what was a life-or-death experience together. But I soon learned it was a regular race day for the five-year veteran of the Whitsunday Sporting Car Club.

On a Two-Day Race Meet ahead of their official competition, The North Queensland Khanacross, the collection of dirt rally racers met on the dry patch of land close to the Whitsunday Coast Airport.

My experience in the passenger seat of Miles’s $100-something dollar kick-about Holden wagon on the midday of last Saturday was just par for the course for the 20 odd racers and spectators - a few of whom have been meeting at the club for its entire 25-year history.

On that weekend in early April - and many before it - these passionate amateur dirt rally racers camped out at Tonker Park, driving from across the state, with many on Saturday coming from Mackay and Proserpine.

At around 9.45am, Club President Mark Horder took the day’s racers for their “look-lap” ahead of the club day.

There were two circuits on the day: the inside, which started with a straight, sharp right turn, and then into a circle, rounded twice, before heading back along the sharp turn and the straight to finish.

And the outside: a rugged, bollard and barrier flanked series of twists and a small hill and straights that led back to the start.

Two cars race each circuit at a time, completing them in roughly 1 minute 30 seconds each.

There are tyres packed closely to trees and lining some of the more drift-inclined turns, but the “worst that could happen is you’d roll, or spin out,” Mark said.

I asked Mark what makes a good rally racer.

“Cojones and a death wish,” he laughed.

The rally faithful raced roughly two laps each before a break- some of the drivers as young as 15, having taken part in the club’s Idrive program, which teaches them the safety that comes alongside the fun of racing.

Mark said that the Tonker Park dirt, which flew up in enormous plumes on the dry day, was eroding slowly from years of use, and that the club will need to purchase gravel to top it back up.

“It’s getting lower and lower,” he said.

Most of the vehicles were old second or even third hand vehicles, and they were usually tinkered on by the competitors, who were self-proclaimed “car people”.

“It’s a bit slippery out there,” they said of the course, even though many of them were equipped with rally tires.

After the first few sets of time trials, a large truck sprayed water over the course to stop the grit and the dirt clouds, and in turn the deterioration of the course.

During that small sabbatical Mark said, “when are you putting on the helmet?”

It seemed rude to not have a go.

A few old hands at the club and Mark decided I would head out with Miles Junior, a British expatriate who had joined the club after bringing his son out to have a go before he himself fell in love with the sport.

I asked why Miles’s car didn’t have any side mirrors, noting that almost all the other cars still did - there was no tactical, aerodynamic reason to be missing them.

“Why are you so caught up on that? Have you looked at the rest of his car?” Mark said.

The wagon was gouged, with long scratches up its side and dents that were more like punctures, and it had driven somewhere a little north of 370,000 kilometres.

“They’re not hits, they’re kisses,” Miles said.

He strapped me into my helmet and I jumped in the passenger seat.

At our fastest, we were travelling at around 100 kilometres an hour, and when we crisscrossed through the starting bollards, we were at about 80. Had the race been an official one, Miles and I would have been docked around 10 seconds on our time.

We finished our fastest circuit in 1:21 seconds, and it was certainly adrenaline pumping.

High octane sports like rally racing may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for the 100-member strong Whitsunday Sporting Car Club, there’s no better feeling than scorching around the course at Tonker Park.

The club’s next race is this month, where Miles, Mark and the other passionate rally drivers will take on the North Queensland Khanacross.

By Declan Durrant

Miles Junior and journalist Declan Durrant after their race around the track

Whitsunday Sporting Car Club President Mark Horder

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The week started with very poor weather and cancellation of the Ladies’ Tuesday afternoon bowls, however Wednesday Rick Galea organised the afternoon and 24 bowlers played for the jackpot with the runaway winners skippered by Ladda Purdie with Lyn Graham at lead and second John Brown whom defeated skipper Neil Moore with Alan Pershouse at lead and Merve Stewart at second in a wonderful exhibition of lawn bowls.

John Brown won the prestigious Health Hub voucher.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls had eight teams playing round two and 27 bowlers were all vying for the winner’s purse.

The big winners of the night was a clash between our two major sponsors PRD and Health Hub with PRD under the guile of skipper Andy McDougall winning and immediately donating their prize money to the children’s school competition.

Saturday morning saw the final of John Askew’s Scroungers - Margo Stanley won the last position for the semi-finals with previous winners Warren Mills, Peter Barratt, Russell  Jackson, Nik Fernbach, Rick Galea,Tony Whitehorn and the injured Ted Cullen showing true grit.

The final was heart stopping with Warren Mills taking third place, Rick Galea taking the second monies purse and the winner of first Scroungers 2022 - Tony Whitehorn.

Sunday afternoon saw 27 bowlers playing for the winners cheque and the outstanding winners of the day were John Trembath with Lyn Graham at lead and Carol Crosbie at second winning 13 of the 21 ends.

Scroungers winners from left to right: Rick Galea second place, Winner Tony Whitehorn, and third place winner Warren Mills

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On Wednesday we had an unexpected break in the weather and seven players enjoyed a game of social bowls. John Lahney played double lead. John, Arthur Griffith, Peter Lawton and Sandy Daffara defeated a team of John, John Anderson, Bruce Uhe and Philip Brown 24 - 17.

On Sunday we had nine players for Social bowls. Peter Lawton played double lead. Peter, Alen Sanderson and John Lahney defeated Peter, John Anderson and Bruce Uhe 19 - 15.

Mike Harrison (local visitor) and Barry Zillmann played Sandy Daffara and Arthur Griffith in a very evenly matched game.

Best Wishes to Proserpine Bowlers Wayne Handley and Nathan Harriott who were selected in the District Side again this year.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

Social bowls left to right: John Lahney, John Anderson, Mike Harrison, Bruce Uhe, Sandy Daffara, Peter Lawton, Alen Sanderson, Arthur Griffith and Barry Zillmann

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Club Competition: There was no bowls Tuesday due to the rain however competition got under way Saturday with Men’s A Singles where Jason Mitchell defeated Graeme Read. Ladies Open Pairs was won by Margaret Wilson and Linda Smith who defeated Marcia Arthur and Lyn Danvers.

Sunday morning Men’s Pairs: Jeff Tierney and Steve Roome defeated Kent Moriarty and Graeme Read.

In the afternoon Mark Drummond and Allan Rolfe defeated Jeff Tierney and Steve Roome.

Sunday 1 May: It was nice to see 20 players out on the green. Winners for the afternoon were Robyn Stitt, Sue Shearing and Kennedy Whitton who defeated Deb Retchless, Denise Wallace and Graeme Read.

The jackpot went off in the game between Toni Bowen, Marg Wilson and Fely Duncan who defeated Terry Blair, Merle Elphinstone and Greg Colquhoun.

Laurie Land and Lyn Danvers defeated Bill Myers and Kent Moriarty and Isobel Wheeler and Geoff Danvers defeated Penny Warren and Pat Tracey.

We were thrilled to have six of our seven Life Members attend afternoon tea on Sunday - our oldest member Brian Winspear 101 had travelled from Tasmania on a visit.

Congratulations to three of our ladies - Penny Warren, Denise Wallace and Margaret Wilson who have been selected in the North Qld Ladies District Side to compete at the State District Side Championships this week on the Gold Coast.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Wangaratta Ladies representing Nth Qld this week in the State District Sides Championships:  Margaret Wilson, Penny Warren and Denise Wallace

Wangaratta Life Members at the club on Sunday for afternoon Tea:

Back - Neil Tracey, Pat Tracey and Bruce Maltby

Front - Merle Elphinstone, Brian Winspear and Enid Maltby

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Men’s winner Reginald Goldup 35 points, runner up Allan Cooper 34 points. Ladies’ winner Claire Garrod 32 points, runner up Grace Nott 31 points.

On Friday, 78 ladies took to the course to compete in the Bowen ladies open. Congratulations to Sheree Hasson from Nudgee Golf Club for winning the competition with a gross score of 73.  

A Grade gross runner up Trish McNeill, B Grade Gross winner Elona Lynch, B Grade gross runner up Meg Garrod, C Grade winner Lorraine McArthur, C Grade runner up Debbie Curnow.  

Nett winners – Nola Giddins, Rhoni Morley, Paulette Barrett. Nett runners-up Pamela Lyons, Cassandra Matthews, Rhonda Martin. Pin shots - Sheree Hasson, Sue Allsopp, Janice Bates. Accuracy drives – Paula Place, Clair Dillon, Helen Russell.

Saturday was the Men’s May Monthly medal - winner Ian Garrod 62 nett, runner up Kurt Bidgood 65 nett. Sunday was the ladies May Monthly medal - winner Janice Bates 67, runner up Pauline Martin 68.

Both competitions were sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf club.

This weekend is the Men’s Bowen open. B and C Grade play on Saturday and A1 and A Grade play on Sunday. Both events sponsored by Green Energy.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

Ladies Monthly Medal winner: Janice Bates, runner up Pauline Martin

Ladies open Gross winners: Sheree Hasson, Elona Lynch, Lorraine McArthur

Ladies open Nett winners: Paulette Barrett, Rhoni Morley, Nola Giddins

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It's been a rather damp week but we are delighted to have been able to assist the local golfing community 'get a round in'.

The new weekly 9-hole Stableford was won this week by Wayne Temby with 24 points. Glenn Rees was second with 22 and Ron Thynne third with 21 points.

On Friday it was Tim Walton who took the win with 23 points followed by Bob Spees and Wayne Singleton both on 21 points with Bob taking the count back win.

On Sunday, the 18-hole comp was won by Chris Bartlett with 42 followed by Dean Barnard who came in 5 under 41 points. Glenn Rees took third with 38 points.

All players please note that this month, 29 May, will be the Club’s Championship therefore if you haven't played the course for a little while, now is the time to come in and update your handicap.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.

Glenn Rees and Tyson Flavel

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Pickleball Whitsunday is held at 4.30pm Thursday afternoon and 7am Saturday Morning.

Last Saturday morning there were broad grins on all in attendance - Frank and Carol played Stuart and Kaye - the score was close with each team making it tough for their opponents.

Yoko and Stuart played an energetic game of singles.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman.

Frank and Carol

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Even with the rain tumbling down Thursday afternoon was action packed with young Felix hitting it off with doing lunges with his Mum leading the way, then working with Coach Jenny on serving and hand eye.

This was followed by Big Jack with a half hour consistent hitting session over the reduced sized net and very long rallies. Indi then worked with Coach Jamie.

The undercover area was then divided into two sections to allow Coach Jenny to work with youngsters Penelope and River, while Jamie worked with Oliver.

This was followed by the Junior Tournament group with visitor Myka.

Earlier in the day the ever popular Fit, Fun Tennis workout had the ladies in raptures when they were able to get on court, even better it was exciting to have  two new newcomers - Tristan and Lucy .

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles hit the road across all grades in treacherous conditions to get to Bakers Creek on Saturday with some cracking AFL played across the board.

With a number of players out Sea Eagles Senior Men saw some under 17s step up to assist in their 85 – 21 win. First quarter saw a slow start with Sea Eagles starting to win the ball from the middle in the second quarter from ruckman Hudson McGregor, then giving midfielders Adam McKelvie and Brent Downie the advantage.

Peter Moore and Jake West worked well together in the forward line scoring five goals for the quarter showing a lead of 35 points at half time. The defence worked hard in the second half with Tyne Chick, Greg VanProoyen and Michael Maltby hold Bakers scoreless at the other end.

Short on numbers this week it was a tough game for the Senior Women playing to avoid a forfeit against the best team in the league. Despite the mismatch each and every Sea Eagles player put in a hard performance with the final score 0 – 122.

Under 17 Sea Eagles continue to grow and work together playing a consistent game for the day with patient footy whenever Bakers Creek challenged. A great team performance resulting in a great win 74 – 1 against an opposition that did not give up all day.

The nail biter of the day went to Under 14 Sea Eagles making use of their experience from last week and adapting well to another soggy day. As the weather cleared Bakers Creek mounted a comeback but Sea Eagles were able to hold out to win 28 – 26.

Under 12 Sea Eagles were keen to win with a clear game plan – win the bounce and get it to the goals. Sea Eagles came out firing showing what team work is all about taking the day 78 – 0.

Sea Eagles return to Mackay this coming Saturday, May 7 to take on the Magpies in all grades at Magpies Sporting Club.

Cody Fowler

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Darts resumed this week after having a bit of a break over the Easter and Anzac weekends.

We began with the midweek clash in Bowen - Kameron Reason putting in a good performance defeating Ross Gallichan 7/3.

On Sunday afternoon at Mika, Jamie Maher cemented top spot with a 7/5 win over Alan Green who put in a good performance. Alan hit a 180 in that match.

Aaron Paull defeated Jayden Lloyd 7/4 to go 8th on the table, and Andy Peel defeated Alan Green 7/5 in Alan’s second game of the afternoon.

But the performance of the day was reserved for Nathan O’Hara who, having never clocked up a single point yet since he joined the club in 2021, managed to get his first point thanks to a 6/6 draw with Seumas Rose.

He backed that up in his second match of the day, claiming a further 2 points with his 7/4 victory of Jayden Lloyd. He also hit a 180 in that win just to emphasise the point.

The Premier League is proudly sponsored by Mika Bar and BBQ and Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

Nathan O’Hara lapping it up over the weekend

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On Saturday 96 people ran, jogged and walked the 5 kilometre waterfront course, of whom 27 were first timers. 11 recorded new Personal Bests – well done to Ben, Trent, Kadon, Roger, Aaron, Ryker, Jodie, Annette, Jennifer, Emil and Josiah.

The event was made possible by 18 wonderful volunteers: Nick Beecroft, Kara Olver, Matthew Curr (Run Director), Daniel Braddock, Guy Thrupp, Nathalie Blomme, Roland Henderson (photographer), Nicole Murphy, Alison Scoles (photographer), Craig Boxer, Valerie Kimpton, Calvin, Darrin Pullen, Nyrie Atkin, Laura Oates, Annette Turner, Joanne Ahern and Amelia (photographer).

Airlie Beach parkrun started on December 5, 2015. Since then, 3,789 participants have completed 20,546 parkruns covering a total distance of 102,730 km, including 2,411 new Personal Bests. A total of 328 individuals have volunteered 2,799 times.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach.

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. You can walk or run the 5k course (pushing a pram or with one dog on a short lead if you want to!), lend a helping hand as a volunteer in a wide range of super-easy roles, or simply spectate and socialise on the sidelines.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

Early morning action

The kind volunteers

Mum enjoys fitness with her bub

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