parkrun Back With a Bang

Crisp conditions could not keep 46 eager participants from attending the first parkrun since March last year. Runners and walkers took to the 5km course, which winds its way along the Gunbower Creek and through Gilrule Park, with plenty of smiles, cheers and ‘woohoos’. “It seemed like everyone was bubbling with excitement to be back at parkrun. Even Bella [the dog] was excited to be there,” Trish Whitlock, a regular Cohuna parkrun participant said. 

Rhys Hildebrand-Wise, whose home parkrun in Melbourne attracts around 200 people ran the course for the first time and enjoyed the small community feel and its proximity to the water. He said, “It’s a lot flatter, the pace is a tad quicker. This was a PB, so it was a good course.”

Organisers have had to adapt some routines to be COVID-19 compliant, however, were pleased with the turnout and how smoothly it went.

Regular parkrunners will agree that parkrun is not all about the event itself, but the social interaction, something they have missed while it has been in recess. “It’s not about the good time you run the 5km in! It’s about catching up,” explained Ange Nuss. 

Individuals and families of all abilities are welcome at parkrun which is held at 8am every Saturday morning in Garden Park.