welcome to the newsletter
On the weekend I made my first ever visit to Armidale in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. It was a long drive from the Gold Coast (approximately 6 hours) and the temperature variance was immense (22°C when we left the Gold Coast and -5°C by the time we got there) but it was well and truly worth it to be on hand to celebrate Armidale parkrun’s 1st anniversary. As you may infer from the cake it was quite a morning! Well done to Event Director Dale Murray and his team who have really created something special in such a relatively short period of time.
You may remember in the newsletter last week I made a bit of fun about the fact that my parkrun personal best time was set way back in March 2012 and I haven’t got close to it since. I think this must have struck a chord with many of you as I received numerous emails during the week from other PB-less-parkrunners lamenting this fact! Well I’d like to contrast my plight with that of Albert Melbourne parkrun Event Director Scott Watkins who ran his 100th parkrun on Saturday. Great achievement Scott, 3.5 years in the making. But wait, there’s more! Not only did Scott complete his 100th parkrun but he also ran a personal best time… by 50 seconds!!! This just goes to show that if you keep turning up and putting in the hard yards the rewards will follow. Well done Scott.
Lastly, I will just confirm the news that some of you may have already heard through the ‘parkrun-grapevine’ that after 4.5 wonderful years living on the Gold Coast my family and I are moving up to Cannonvale in North Queensland. This move will have no impact on the day to day operations of parkrun Australia as we are a highly decentralized organization, that is we all work from home in our pyjamas most of the time! What it does mean is that I’ll be less likely to pop-up unannounced at a South East Queensland parkrun on any given Saturday! Time to start packing…
Happy running,
Tim from parkrun Australia (get in touch)
Were you a first timer last weekend, did you run a personal best or do you have any other feedback? We would love to hear from you on email, Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
Essential Stats for Australia & Singapore – 08/08/2015:
Number of locations – 128
Number of runners – 12,806
Number of PBs – 2,702
Number of first timers – 1,658
Number of volunteers – 1,188
Number of members – 225,075
IMPORTANT - Serious Incident
On Saturday we had a serious incident at one of our events. At about the 4km point of the run a man appeared and attempted to grab a 13 year old girl who was running on her own. Thankfully this girl was able to push the man away and run off, informing her parents and the event organisers once she made it back to the finish line. Obviously the police have been informed of this incident and we are all thankful that it wasn’t more serious.
The take home lesson for all parents from this incident is that all children, no matter their age, are vulnerable if running alone at parkrun. Our policy requires all under 11s to be accompanied by their parents at all times however this doesn’t mean that an older child is therefore safe at all times. Please take this into consideration next time you take your child to parkrun (or any other public event for that matter).
Director - Voluntary Role
From quiet beginnings, parkrun Australia has grown to be a major force for grassroots athletic participation and community engagement. To reflect this rapid development, we are seeking nominations for a Director to join our Board and help guide us through our next phase.
Looking to the future, our challenge is to continue to thrive and expand in a sustainable manner, making the most of the opportunities offered to us and seeking new opportunities. With over 200,000 people registered with us in Australia, our aims are to encourage them to continue to participate, welcome new people and work with our volunteer teams and participants to provide fun and friendly weekly events.
The role
We are looking for Directors who possesses the skills and experience to make a significant contribution to the governance of parkrun Australia.
Together with other Board members, the successful applicant will be involved in shaping the strategic aims of the organisation. This is an opportunity to provide creative, informed and constructive input to the objectives and plans submitted by the Chief Executive Officer.
The position will be confirmed at the parkrun Australia AGM on 10th October 2015 and the post holder will be required to commit several hours per month, which includes board meeting teleconferences every six weeks in addition to attending the Annual General Meeting in 2016. Reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
Interested?
We are seeking individuals who are or have been a board member (or equivalent) in the public, private or voluntary sector, or a trustee of a charity. Individuals with expert knowledge, skills and professional experience in the areas of sponsorship, marketing, communications, corporations law, finance, risk management or human resources would complement the skills set of our current Board members.
If you are interested, please email a short CV (no longer than three pages) outlining your past achievements, plus a one page statement setting out what you think you can bring to the role. Send via email to gareth@parkrun.com.
parkrun Australia is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are welcomed from all sectors of society and all appointments are made on merit alone.
The closing date for applications is 5pm, Friday 28/08/2015.
‘Pledge to parkrun’ by Pam Foulkes-Taylor
Perfect PB conditions greeted 120 Kalgoorlie-Boulder parkrunners on a bright and sunny Saturday 8th August. Unlike the previous week when near torrential rain made it more of a 'parkswim' for only the most dedicated of parkrunners! Included in the 120 were 18 ‘Pledge to parkrun’ men who had taken their courage in both hands and trained their hearts out for the last 7 weeks.
Created to celebrate Men's Health Week in June, agencies including Dept Sport and Recreation, City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, WA Country Health Services Goldfields, Cancer Council WA and Goldfields Midwest Medicare Local joined forces with our fantastic Kalgoorlie parkrun to get men off the couch, outta their comfort zone and moving towards a healthy and happy lifestyle.
The overall plan was to create a sustainable fitness goal of walking or running 5kms and parkrun perfectly matched this requirement. The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder came up trumps with twice weekly fitness instructor led training sessions. Every Tuesday the men were put through their running paces and every Thursday they tried out something new: yoga, aqua aerobics, cross training, RPM and Body Balance. Surprisingly yoga and aqua aerobics proved most popular! The men formed new friendships, found new confidence and most importantly felt fit and happy. Some of the training banter was slightly X-rated but it all helped to make an environment where the guys could feel comfortable in trying to achieve what, for some had seemed an impossible task at the start.
Some men came along to parkruns from the beginning, improving their times each week, but for others this final week was the first time they had ever attempted the full 5kms. Blue wristbands were handed out to identify our Pledge to parkrun men, and a 'What's going through your noggin?' whiteboard was available for them to record their thoughts before and after the event for evaluation purposes.
The 18 nervous men took off to see if all the training had paid off, with some taking advantage of volunteer pacers to encourage them to keep going, especially at the dreaded 4km mark. Everyone achieved a PB or ran faster than they had hoped, which was fantastic to witness. The hard work of the men and the organisers was paid back in bucket loads as the men compared stories with post run fruit and drink kindly provided by Coles supermarket.
Feedback included pledges to carry on with parkrun, weight loss stories, how they felt happier and fitter, wishing the programme would continue and many thanks for the opportunity.
Our inaugural Pledge to parkrun has set the scene for a successful 2016 event as the men share their stories via the media and friends. We look forward to working together to encourage Goldfields men to take the challenge next year.
Greater Raymond Terrace Fun Run
Here’s a great event to help you keep up your running through these winter months - the Greater Raymond Terrace Fun Run held on the first Sunday in Spring - 6 September. The run is held in the picturesque settings of Raymond Terrace, a historic river town located on the banks of the Hunter River and features 8km, 4km and 2km events. Something for all parkrunners. Register now, and we highly recommend anyone wanting a weekend away to take advantage of the Hunter Valley and tie it in with this run.
parkdog of the week
"My name is Vivi and I am a pug and this is my sister Vera. Our PB is 41.25 but I am the fastest. We love getting down to Newy parkrun with our human mum & dad for some exercise and plenty of pats from the other runners."
Entertainment Books support parkrun
The Entertainment Book, and the brand new Entertainment Digital Membership, are your guide to the most popular restaurants, attractions, shopping, travel and more, all with valuable up to 50% off and 2 for 1 offers. Purchasing your entertainment book through parkrun helps us in two ways:
- Approximately 20% from each book sold is donated directly to parkrun Australia.
- If 5 people from the same parkrun event make a purchase the Event Director will be provided with a FREE Entertainment Digital Membership.
Click here for more information or to purchase your Entertainment Book or Entertainment Digital Membership.
Upcoming Special Events
Launches:
15/08 – Callaghan (NSW)
22/08 – Chermside (Qld)
05/09 – Warner Lakes (Qld), Lochiel (SA)
12/09 – Bega (NSW)
26/09 – Ashgrove (Qld)
31/10 – Port Macquarie (NSW)
Anniversaries:
15/08 – Hobart (Tas) 1st
22/08 – Hervey Bay (Qld) 1st, Singleton (NSW) 1st, Balyang Sanctuary (Vic) 3rd, Maribyrnong (Vic) 1st, Mt Clarence (WA) 1st
29/08 – Cairns (Qld) 2nd, Capalaba (Qld) 1st, Lake Joondalup (WA) 1st
05/09 – Blue Gum Hills (NSW) 1st, Broadbeach Waters (Qld) 1st, Heirisson Island (WA) 1st, Warwick (Qld) 2nd
12/09 – Inverloch (Vic) 1st, Wynnum (Qld) 3rd
19/09 – New Farm (Qld) 4th, Pakenham (Vic) 1st
26/09 – Bowral (NSW) 1st, Merimbula (NSW) 2nd, Tamworth (NSW) 1st, Toowoomba (Qld) 2nd
Cancellations:
Until further notice – Heirisson Island (WA)
12/09 – Chermside (Qld), Diamond Creek (Vic)
10/10 – Geographe Bay (WA)
24/10 – Chermside (Qld)
31/10 – Wangaratta (Vic)
14/11 – Tamborine Mountain (Qld)
13/02 – Geographe Bay (WA)
Other:
03/10 – International parkrun Day
Feedback from the field
Melissa Gilbert - I couldn't miss the opportunity to ‘show you my parkrun’ on my trip to Japan for the Tokyo Marathon earlier this year. It was super cold so I could only bare my shirt for short periods. Wish I could have done a parkrun in Japan though. Time to spread the love to the land of the rising sun I think. I'd also love to thank the Mudgeeraba parkrun directors (including Wendy) for their support and time. If you haven't had the opportunity to join us at Mudgee do yourself a favour. It's the friendliest run around, and there is cake!!!
Anon – We have a runner down here at Shellharbour parkrun that has had an amazing run of PBs. Her name is Melissa Brotherson-Clarke. I've never spoken to her and don’t even know what she looks like but I stalk her in the results every week. She has run at Shellharbour 18 times and has only failed to PB 3 times. Her first run was 39:28 back in January. She's now down to 26:56.
Deanne Stock - I wanted to share our 'Kawana parkrun Love' photo. Love it!
Sharon Morgan - I grew up hating the whole aspect of running. I wouldn't even run for a bus, train or tram if I was about to miss them. So I shocked myself when two years ago I decided to take my dogs for a run. I couldn't run further than 25 meters without those "can't do" demons jumping into my head and taking over. However I persevered. After stumbling across Altona Beach parkrun I made the enquiry as to what it was all about and loved the concept straight away. So I registered and completed my first parkrun last Saturday. The volunteers were so helpful with my enquiry. I've never done anything like this before, so their friendliness was so appreciated. Also the encouragement from the faster runners. Everyone is so happy. Something I've never experienced with running before. OMG - do you remember the weather on Saturday, 1 August? The wind was a nightmare and coming off the sea was blistering cold. We had to run against the swirling wind and up hills! OMG - on top of this my girls (dogs) had to stop for poos and wees as well. I just wasn't prepared however I did finish the course in a shocking time. It can only get better. So look out this Saturday. I can and I will get a better time.
Abbie Grace - It was a sea of red at Maribyrnong parkrun last weekend, with many of the 100 runners who braved the cold running in the 50-club t-shirt colour in honour of our 50th Maribyrnong parkrun event. What a great warm up to prepare for our 'Alice in 1derland' themed 1st anniversary on August 22nd! Thanks, everyone, for brightening up the riverside.
Garry Womsley - I started doing St Peters parkrun in January last year. Even though there are now events closer to where I live, I still come to St Peters because I enjoy the run and the friendliness of the people. I've now done 58 runs there. On Saturday I volunteered and was the barcode scanner. As we only had one working scanner, there was a bit of a line at the end but no one complained. In fact so many people said "thank you". While it was busy, I actually enjoyed myself. This week I'm down as the "tail runner" and I'm looking forward to that too. The last year hasn't been easy for me but I always look forward to parkrun each week.
Drop me an email if you have an interesting parkrun related fact, happening or comment that you would like to share with all parkrunners.
Volunteer Profile
Name: Stacy Edwards
Age: 42
Home parkrun: Mitchelton (Mitchie to us)
Occupation: Teacher
Number of runs: 72
PB: 26:24
Number of times volunteered: 31
Favourite volunteer role: I volunteer at parkrun because: I really enjoy it and it's the best way to 'pay it forward'
What do like about volunteering at parkrun: One thing I love about parkrun is: the friendships I've developed. I love the call-outs from kids on course when I run and the waves from parkrunners before they head home, smiles firmly plastered across their faces because of the fun they've just had.
Most memorable or funniest parkrun moment: My most memorable parkrun moment was: finally cracking a sub-30min 5km time for the first time at New Farm parkrun back in 2012. I'd been running for 12 months and I was so excited; I yelled, screamed and danced with delight all the way over the finish line.
Reminders
Barcode reminder
Printed barcodes are used at all our events to record your result. Please click here to collect and print your barcode. No barcode = No result = No exceptions. To order your barcode on a laser engraved silicone wristband as shown above please click here. #dfyb (don't forget your barcode).
No printed barcode, no result.
All questions answered
Do you have a question about parkrun? How do I collect my club T-shirt? How do I get my barcode? All your questions are answered on our brand new support site
Volunteering at parkrun
We ask every parkrunner to volunteer 3 times a year. When volunteering you receive the maximum number of points towards the yearly competition.
Children at parkrun
Children under the age of eleven must be accompanied at all times by a parent, guardian or other designated adult of the parent's choice. It must also be ensured that children place themselves appropriately at the start so as to prevent a situation where they are being repeatedly overtaken. This is to ensure the safety of your child.
Our Sponsors
At Suncorp Bank we value the communities in which we live and work. From helping keep Australians safe from the sun to supporting what matters to the community through our sponsorship of major running events and parkrun Australia, we're dedicated to making a real difference in people's lives. Explore Suncorp Bank
building our future
Stockland is Australia’s largest diversified property group. We develop and manage residential communities, retirement living villages and retail centres – the building blocks of thriving communities. Explore Stockland