On a crisp wintry morning after recent rains, 108 parkrun enthusiasts took to the somewhat soggy track at the Botanical Gardens to run, jog or walk the Castlemaine Parkrun 5km event.
Conditions were not ideal for a PB in what was the 524th event, and many individuals took the opportunity to enjoy a brisk or leisurely walk around the gardens instead.
With many walkers getting involved, it was good timing to reintroduce the “parkwalker” volunteer role. Thank you to Robyn English for taking up the role, which is designed to support other walkers and offer a friendly chat to them along the way.
First through the finish was Ben Mulholland in 19:31, followed by Damien Harrison in 20:44 and Quinn Faircloth, the first junior across and third overall in 21:15. Simoen Van Der Meent, in a welcome return, was the first female finisher in 22:56 and Margaret Clarke was the highest age grade at 79.81% in 26:35. In spite of the wet track, seven individuals set a new best time and well done to Steve Conradi, Julie Kent, Conrad Maddock, Jennie Peel, Sera-Jane Peters, Rachel Pilgrim and Steven Ranger.
Anytime a PB occurs, the event has a PB bell that can be struck by the individual and cheered on by the volunteers and community in support.
Visitors are also a big part of parkrun. The organisers were delighted to meet Don and Judy Wallace from the Dorset-based parkrun. Both Don and Judy enjoy travelling to various events, with Judy recently completing her 250th milestone. Don is on the road to recovery following an injury and sees parkrun as a terrific way of getting out and being active.
The event also relies on the goodwill of volunteers, who make the event run so smoothly and fun for others. A big thanks and appreciation to event volunteers Colin Moore as Run Director, Alicia Beauchamp, Shana Chong, Ronder Clayton, Brendan Colnan, Robyn English, Brenda Kausche, Judy Hill, Rosamund Stobie and Karina Taylor.
If you would like to get involved, arrive at the Botanical Gardens every Saturday before the 8am start. Parkrun is a free event and provides participants of all abilities the chance to improve their health in a 5km timed event. Simply register your details at parkrun.com.au and bring your barcode to start earning parkrun credits.