Strap on your sneakers for Muswellbrook’s inaugural Karoola Park parkrun
What is a parkrun you say? parkrun is a free, timed, volunteer-led, 5km weekly event where people of all abilities can mix with others in the community, make new friends or catch up with old ones and kick off the weekend with a little exercise. No fancy running clothes or shoes are required – and walking is totally acceptable.
There are no winners at parkrun, and nobody comes last. Regular participation rather than performance is rewarded. parkrun is whatever you want it to be, whenever you want to take part and most parkruns finish up with a social get-together at a café for refreshments and a chat.
Muswellbrook’s inaugural parkrun will be held on Saturday, April 2 at 8am at Karoola Park, near the netball courts. The course is mostly flat and suited to all fitness levels and age groups. Dogs are welcome on a lead and the park is accessible with a sturdy pram.
Event co-director Chris English said Muswellbrook’s parkrun had taken two years to establish after being delayed by COVID.
“Along with our volunteers I am thrilled to finally launch parkrun at Karoola Park and look forward to welcoming the entire community to a fun, free, weekly exercise event.
“I got involved with the start-up group, a dedicated team of volunteers frustrated by the delays caused by COVID, about six months ago. I enjoy running myself and hope to spend most Saturdays either volunteering or occasionally running the event myself.
Chris English, Richard Gill School Principal“I want my young family to experience all the positive benefits of completing regular exercise in safe, fun, and nurturing environment where they can make friends and create healthy habits which should serve them well as they grow,” he said.
Council’s general manager Fiona Plesman said volunteers for the weekly parkrun are also needed.
Fiona Plesman, Muswellbrook Shire Council General Manager“You don’t need to be a runner or have any experience to volunteer at parkrun. As I understand, each of the roles are quick and easy to learn and there are always experienced volunteers to assist. Volunteering for one and half hours is a great way to get out and support the community and make new friends. Council is delighted that this weekly event has come to Karoola Park, and I look forward to seeing many people out and about on a Saturday morning,” she said.
There is no cost to join in but interested people are asked to register before their first parkrun at www.parkrun.com.au/register. You will then receive a unique barcode that can be used at any parkrun in the world – there are already 430 in Australia alone.
Interested people can visit these sites for more information:
