Parkrun

On Saturday 29th of November, I took myself and my mum to Point Cook Parkrun.

Parkrun in Point Cook only started up this year, with this particular event being marked as run #46 for the Point Cook group.

I’ve known of Parkrun for a while now but only recently discovered that they are now located in Point Cook.

I knew my mum wouldn’t go on her own, so signed her up and printed her barcode, and dragged her along.

Although I was one of the few ‘interstaters’, and won’t be there every week, I know my mum will go back each week.

She’ll earn her milestone t-shirt (running 50 parkruns), in no time.

So What is Parkrun?

Parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.

These events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and we encourage people of every ability to take part; from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience; we welcome you all.

To sign up go here – Parkrun Australia.  There are 101 (and increasing) locations around Australia, with plenty more overseas.

Do I need anything for Parkrun?

Besides yourself, you do need a barcode, if you want your time recorded.

What did I get out of Parkrun?

Parkrun gave me the opportunity to get a tempo run-in.  This allows me to run in race-like conditions.

Having never run this particular course before I didn’t know what to expect.  It was a combination of footpath (80%), and gravel path.

I started off in the middle of the pack but soon realised that I needed to be upfront.

This particular course was a there and back. It was well-marked, and all the volunteers were very approachable and helpful.

Once the event has finished you get emailed your results.

I met some great people from the run, and look forward to seeing them the next time I go visit.

There was a photographer on the course as well.

There were over 100 runners in this Point Cook run, way more than our little SAAC Running club gets.

It was great to see the diversity in runners.

Will go back? Of course.