AFTER a year of planning, Kerang’s parkrun is finally set to kick off, with a trial run taking place on Sunday in the lead-up to the official launch on January 18.
Nineteen organisers and participants gathered on Sunday to test the track and run through the procedures which are common to the 5km timed event wherever it is held.
While many participants in the volunteer-run events are serious runners, the organisers’ emphasis is on physical activity and social connection.
“We never call it a race,” event director Annette Kelly said.
Ashlee Stevens, from Kerang, a recent convert to the movement, was one participant who started at a stroll.
“A lot of people think because it’s called parkrun they have to run,” Ms Stevens said.
“I didn’t run a single step my fist parkrun. Not at all.”
Ms Stevens said she believed the weekly event would be a real positive for the town.
“I think this is going to be wonderful – for the economy and also for tourism,” she said.
“I’m trying to motivate everyone and anyone to come along.”
Those with a more athletic outlook were also impressed with the back swamp and levee bank course.
“It’s flat and wide with a very consistent surface the whole way around,” one visitor said.
“You’re going to have some people coming here for the fast course.”
One who travelled a long way to try it on Sunday was Rhianna, from Bendigo.
The young runner was the first to complete the 5km track in 23:57 minutes.
“I’ve been doing parkrun for four years,” Rhianna said.
“I’ve done all of them in Victoria.”
The parkrun movement – which sees volunteers run a free, timed 5km walking or running event at 8am on a Saturday morning – originated in England and now operates in more than 20 countries around the world.
The Cohuna parkrun, which has been going for three years, has been very successful locally and been shown to draw visitors to the town.
Organiser Annette Kelly acknowledged the many supporters of the initiative in Kerang, including the Gannawarra shire.
“They’ve been absolutely amazing, they’ve been there through the whole journey,” Ms Kelly said.
“I think they can see how good it is for Cohuna.
“We’re not in competition with Cohuna, though,” she said.
Kerang’s parkrun will be held rain, hail or shine every week after it officially commences on January 18.
