General News
10 May, 2022
Timboon parkrun turns five
THIS Saturday will mark a milestone for Timboon parkrun, with the event reaching its fifth birthday.
THIS Saturday will mark a milestone for Timboon parkrun, with the event reaching its fifth birthday.
Runners, joggers and walkers alike are invited to mark the occasion and take part in this weekend’s birthday event.
Event director Dean Whitehead said he is looking forward to the milestone event."
“I am really proud of how our community has been able to keep parkrun post COVID lockdowns,” he said.
“parkrun is volunteer based, we have had over 200 individuals volunteer in different roles over the five years."
“I have taken over the position of event director, but the hard work to establish the event for Timboon and the surrounding community was done before I was involved."
“I would like to thank Donna Ellis and the team that got it all going initially.”
Mr Whitehead said parkrun is an important event for the community.
“It provides so many opportunities for all people to be active and connected,” he said.
“We understand more and more now the importance of movement for use physically, mentally and socially."
“It’s a great feeling on a Saturday morning to see many regular participants runningand walking.”
Mr Whitehead encouraged the community to give the free weekly event a try.
“Over the past few months we have had lots of people that have recently moved into our local communities getting involved, it’s a great place to meet people if you are new to the area, we have frequent participants from all age demographics,” he said.
“Visiting park-runners are often commenting on how welcoming our community is and how the course is challenging, but also abeautiful event."
“If you are unsure that you want to get involved come down and have a look, the hardest part is taking the first step."
“There is always a tail walker; you will not be the last one back.”
Mr Whitehead said parkrun is volunteer-based and is participation focused.
He said it is a place where school aged children can be running beside adults or grandchildren can be walking with their grandparents.
Mr Whitehead said there is a place for everyone to be involved.
“I would like to give a special mention to Rowan Ferguson, over the past year we have had 30 events – due to COVID restrictions, we were unable to operate at times,” he said
“Over the year Rowan ran parkrun only twice, but he volunteered on 19 separate occasions."
“Having young people in our community that contribute to making parkrun a success is fantastic to see."
“Thank you to everyone that has volunteered to allow this event to continue, I hope that we can continue to grow parkrun in Timboon as it is a friendly and supportive environment for locals to connect and be active.”
To register for parkrun visit www.parkrun.com.au.
Timboon parkrun begins at 8am sharp, with event briefing from 7.45am at the Timboon playground.
For further information or to volunteer visit the Timboon parkrun Facebook page.