Enjoying the parkrun, local Hayley Chapman and Melbourne visitor Karen McKeown.
Yarrawonga’s Frank Keenan Reserve parkrun has continued to grow in popularity since it began almost four months ago.
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Many locals and visitors have taken on the 5km course around Lake Mulwala and Chinaman's Island, but according to parkrun volunteer Tim Roadley it wouldn’t be possible without the assistance of volunteers every week.
“It takes a lot of work, but it is rewarding also,” Tim said.
Tim said last month parkrun introduced a new volunteer role Parkwalker that was created to demonstrate that walking at parkrun is both encouraged and welcome.
“Over a third of the participants at Frank Keenan Reserve are walkers so we encourage more people to come down to the yacht club each Saturday at 7:50am and join in the fun.
“If you are a first timer or visitor no need to be concerned about where to go or what to do as each week there is First Timers Welcome that outlines all the information.
“This week we had another great story at parkrun when the Bentleigh Football and Netball Club women's team turned up during their end of year trip and revealed that their coach had suddenly passed away and he was a regular participant at parkrun. The run was a way to celebrate his life and there was an emotional group photo at the end.
“It just shows how parkrun can affect people and is more than a 5km run.
Doing it to honour and remember their former coach, the Bentleigh Football and Netball Club women's team at last Saturday’s Parkrun.
“We are so fortunate to have our own parkrun in Yarrawonga and each week there is a different story, whether it is some doing a new PB, a visitor travel to our great lake or someone doing their first 5km run.
“Young local Benji Wollington was one of those first timers last Saturday, and as a 10-year-old did a fantastic time of just over 25 minutes, then stepped up to sort the tokens while we had a rush of finishers.”
Parkruns are free, weekly, timed events across the world, organised by local volunteers. You can also volunteer in numerous different roles too!
It doesn’t matter how fast you go. It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing. What matters is taking part.
For more information on the parkwalker role at parkrun go to https://blog.parkrun.com/au/2022/09/13/introducing-parkwalk-at-parkrun/
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