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Parkrun may be the name, but you don’t have to run or be a runner to get involved in this free weekly five-kilometre event that takes place at 7am every Saturday morning at Coral Sea Marina.
While walkers have always been welcome and celebrated at the 450 parkruns around Australia each Saturday, Pakrun Australia say the month of October will be dedicated to encouraging even more people to walk.
More than 10% of people who complete the five-kilometre course at Aussie parkruns do so as walkers, and the organisation is keen to significantly increase this number.
The campaign will see parkrun change its logo to ‘parkwalk’ for the month of October, with bright pink branding designed to capture the attention — and the imagination — of people who might not think that parkrun is for them.
Airlie Beach parkrun volunteer event director Kara Olver said: “Parkruns are social events where there is no time limit and people of all ages and abilities take part, including people pushing prams or with their dog on a short handheld lead.”
“It’s all about getting involved in a way that is fun and comfortable for you. Walking is a great way of soaking up the parkrun atmosphere and chatting with people while being active.”
Ms Olver said it’s one of the best entry points into parkrun, especially for those who may be taking their first steps towards healthier and happier lifestyles.
“Walking at parkrun is a great way to meet new people too, or you can walk with your family or friendship group,” she said.
“One of the great things about parkrun is that you can never come last. Each week we have people who volunteer as tail walkers, who provide support and encouragement for walkers and are the last people to finish.”
In addition to the tail walkers, a new volunteer role of ‘parkwalker’ – who will wear blue vests - is being introduced from the first Saturday in October.
The volunteers will have the role of mixing with other walkers and having a chat during the five-kilometre walk.
Thousands of people at parkrun take more than an hour to complete the event. In fact, when parkrun started in Australia in 2011 the average finish time was 27 minutes, and now it’s 33 minutes — a statistic the organisation is incredibly proud of because it shows that parkrun now appeals to a broader range of people.
Airlie Beach parkrun takes place at Meeting Area D of Coral Sea Marina every Saturday at 7am.
Registration is free at www.parkrun.com.au/register
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