Would you like to boost your physical and mental health in a free, friendly and fun environment? Maybe just getting an hour or two of fresh air and hopefully sunshine on a Saturday morning with the family, friends or the pooch, with an optional café stop afterwards? We have found just the thing for you – parkrun!
ITC asked Willoughby parkrun’s Event Director, Grant Berthold to tell us all about it.
What is parkrun?
parkrun started in southwest London in 2004 when a few friends did a 5k run in Bushy Park. The original ‘Bushy Park Time Trial’ concept has since morphed into almost 2,000 parkruns around the world, including over 450 in Australia, with a focus on participation rather than speed. It’s a free, timed, 5km, volunteer-led event that you can walk, jog, or run that welcomes all ages and abilities, including prams and wheelchairs. People now plan their local and international holidays around parkrun locations!
Register once, print out your barcode or download an app, and that works at any parkrun around the world. Our closest parkrun is Willoughby parkrun, and several Lane Cove residents go every Saturday morning. Nearby parkruns include Mosman, Wildflower (St Ives), Curl Curl, and Greenway, with 40+ parkruns in Greater Sydney.
How did parkrun start in Willoughby?
parkrun started in Australia in 2011, in Sydney in 2012 at St Peter’s, followed locally by Curl Curl, Mosman and others further afield. Willoughby started on 5 November 2016, with the support of Willoughby Council and a dedicated team of local volunteers. Many of the early team are still with us today.
What are the parkrun Willoughby course details?
Check out our course map here. It’s a 1 lap, slightly undulating clockwise course, starting and finishing at Artarmon Reserve at the far end of Burra Road. We head clockwise around the back of the oval to complete one full lap then head north/left to the first turn-around point under the Artarmon Road underpass.
Head south back towards the oval, then east/left under the Gore Hill Fwy, following the shared walking/cycling path towards Willoughby Leisure Centre. Turning left under Willoughby Road, continue along the shared path past the Henry Lawson Cave, through the Aboriginal Art Work tunnel, then left up to the flower bed roundabout and back down to and through the tunnel again. Back along the shared path, right off the freeway, then a left behind the oval to finish on the grass on the oval at Artarmon Reserve. It sounds far more complicated than it is!
Our lovely parkrun marshals are at every turn, our tail walker is always the last person to finish, and our park walkers roam around providing directions and encouragement for our more relaxed finishers. Before the main briefing, we have a dedicated briefing for first-timers and tourists from other parkruns.
How many people participate in parkrun Willoughby each week?
Between 250-350 people, of all ages, abilities, and demographics participate each week, including visually impaired runners and guides from the Achilles Running Club. Recently we’ve had some wheelchair users complete our course.
Is it for everyone?
YES, absolutely! It’s a timed event, not a race. We often finish over the 1 hour mark and all our volunteers stay to welcome all finishers. It’s about participation and fun, whatever that means for you, it’s another way for a community to come together in a common and healthy interest.
Walk it, skip it, wheel it, run with your kids, parents, dogs, prams or wheelchairs. No bikes, skateboards, wheelies etc, though.
Most weeks, over half of our cohort are women, 30 or so under 16’s, and probably a dozen or so retirees. Our ‘tail walker’ walks the course and makes sure no one gets lost or left behind. Just come and do it, and bring your friends! You get a free t-shirt after 25 runs, 10 runs for under 16’s!
How much does it cost?
Nothing – it’s free! Best if you register before your first run so we can record your attendance and time. Either bring a printed copy of your barcode or download it via an app on your smartphone or watch. The good news is that you only ever register with parkrun once to participate in any parkrun event globally.
What is one of your favourite stories about a parkrun?
Many years ago, during the UK Christmas holidays I did the Wimbledon Common parkrun, which, being a national park, was marked out with talcum powder to minimise harm … which was a bit hard to see on the snow. So I just followed all the people in front!
Are you permitted to take furry friends?
Yes, on a short hand-held leash, no waist leashes are permitted in our events. Artarmon Reserve is a WCC ‘off leash’ area, but owners must always effectively control their dogs at all times.
Are children allowed to participate?
Absolutely, all ages are welcome! Under 11’s must stay with their adult at all times. Kids over 4 can get their own barcodes and get a free t-shirt after 10 runs.
Is it a social atmosphere?
For sure, both pre and post-event! Many people stay around, chat, and cheer on their friends as they finish. Many of us head to Everyday Canteen at Artarmon for a post parkrun caffeine and food fix.
If you have any questions – email [email protected] or via Facebook page.
Contact Details
Willoughby parkrun
Website: willoughby parkrun
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @willoughbyparkrun
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