PARKRUN is the name but you do not have to run or be a runner to be involved in the free weekly 5km event at the Blue Lake every Saturday at 8am.
Walkers have always been welcomed and celebrated at the 450 Parkruns across Australia and the month of October will be dedicated to encouraging more people to walk.
More than 10 percent of people who complete the 5km course are walkers and the organisation is keen to significantly increase this number.
The campaign will see Parkrun change its logo to ‘Parkwalk’ for the entire month.
“Parkruns are social events where there is no time limit and people of all ages and abilities take part, including people pushing prams or with their dog on a short handheld lead,” Mount Gambier volunteer event director Phil Ackland said.
“It’s all about getting involved in a way that is fun and comfortable for you.
“Walking is a great way of soaking up the parkrun atmosphere and chatting with people while being active.
“It’s one of the best entry points into parkrun, especially for those who may be taking their first steps towards healthier and happier lifestyles.”
In addition to the tail walkers, who provide support and encouragement for walkers and are the last people to finish, there is a new volunteer role which is being introduced from October.
This new role will see volunteers wear a blue vest labelled ‘Parkwalker’ and their role will be to mix with other walkers and have a chat during the 5km walk.
Parkrun Asia Pacific Communications and Health & Wellbeing Manager, Glen Turner, said the campaign builds on the fantastic work parkrun events do to create a positive experience for walkers.
“People who participate in Parkrun know how much we love to celebrate walkers, so the Parkwalk campaign is designed to take this message to people who may never have considered that they could get involved in Parkrun,” he said.
“Walking can help you manage or prevent health conditions, enhance your mood, boost fitness and bring you into contact with some amazing people and places.
By actively encouraging people who don’t currently do parkrun to walk at our events, we can expand the incredible impact that parkrun has on a wider range of people.”
Registration for Parkrun is free at www.parkrun.com.au/register.
