If your New Year’s resolutions include getting some exercise, meeting new people, saving money or doing a bit of volunteering, parkrun might be just the thing.
Started in the UK in 2004 by a small group of friends, parkrun has grown into a global movement. It is now an international charity operating in 23 countries at more than 2,000 locations, with millions of registered participants. Its aim is simple: “parkrun exists to empower people to come together, to be active, social and outdoors.”
Glen Innes parkrun, established three years ago, is held at the Australian Standing Stones — making it the highest-elevation parkrun in Australia. The event is coordinated by Katie Randall and Kate Cooper. “It’s hard to believe we’re coming up to our third birthday in February,” Katie said. “It’s wonderful to see how far we’ve come and the beautiful core group of volunteers and runners we’ve built. We simply couldn’t do it without the volunteers — some of whom don’t even run or walk.”
Co-coordinator Kate Cooper is one such volunteer. “I don’t run, but I love the community connection,” she said. “When you live alone it can be quite isolating, and parkrun is so inclusive, welcoming and friendly.”
The course is five kilometres, completed over two laps. Some participants run, others walk. The Glen Innes course has been described as “rewarding” and “challenging”.
Newcomers are welcome to start with just one lap, and there is no pressure to finish quickly. A Tail Walker volunteer always brings up the rear, ensuring no one finishes last. Best of all, it’s free. Participants simply register online at parkrun.com.au to receive a personal barcode, which is scanned each week to record results. Registration is a once-only process and works at any parkrun location worldwide.
The current course record at the Standing Stones is held by local cross-country runner Kayden Elliott, who earlier this month placed an impressive 25th in the world in the under- 20s category at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, USA.
The Australian Standing Stones parkrun is held every Saturday morning at 8am. For more information, contact australianstandingstones@parkrun.com.
