Festive fun for parkrun fans

There will be plenty to cheer about as the Underwood Park parkrun group celebrates its 8th birthday just days prior to Christmas.

A fun program is planned for the birthday celebration on Saturday, 21 December, from 6:30 am for a 6:55 am marshalling, then start.

New and existing parkrun participants are invited to attend and are encouraged to wear costumes or accessories with a Christmas theme, although regular running attire is also fine.

The first 5 km parkrun at Underwood Park was in 2016 on 17 December (after a ‘test’ event weeks earlier), and organised by Mark Morton, Darren Ryan and Stephen Parker, who are all still involved.

It drew 482 event finishers which, at the time, was an Australian record for a parkrun opener.

Division 1 Councillor Lisa Bradley, who has been a strong supporter from day one and a regular participant, says parkrun is now an institution at Underwood Park.

‘Not only is it a very social way to start the weekend, but parkrun is a great way to support and develop an active and healthy lifestyle,’ Cr Bradley says.

Stephen, event co-director, does not expect this year’s celebration to be as big as the first 2016 event, but there are high hopes the average weekly turnout of around 180 runners will be exceeded.

Participants are encouraged to bring some food and drink and stay for a post-race celebration. ‘The post-race event will have a real community feel about it,’ Stephen says.

For more information go to the Underwood Park parkrun Facebook page.

Photo at top: Cr Bradley and event organiser Stephen Parker prepare for Underwood Park parkrun’s 8th birthday.