Why parkrun is so beloved in Logan
Every Saturday morning, parks all around the City of Logan (and, in fact, the world) are full of people of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels getting ready to run, jog or walk a 5-kilometre circuit.
Why has parkrun become a worldwide phenomenon? Who knew so many people in Logan wanted to leap out of bed on the weekend to exercise? Each of Logan’s 6 parkruns attracts more than 100 participants every week, keen to complete the circuit, cheer on others, catch up with friends, or introduce their kids to exercise and its endorphins.
According to 2 of the women behind Meadowbrook’s event, held at Riverdale Park, it’s about much more than running.
‘I always say to people it is a social event with a 5-kilometre loop in the middle,’ Michaela Wilson says.
‘Everyone is welcome, whether you want to run 5 k in 17 minutes or walk for an hour with your dog.
‘No one is made to feel like an outsider. It’s very friendly and supportive, and the best way to start the weekend. It’s not a proper weekend without starting it with parkrun.’
Michaela and friend Hayley Tyler, both already keen runners, started as parkrun participants in 2014. Always a vocal advocate for the event – volunteering and bringing friends and family along – Michaela was asked if she would like to set up a Meadowbrook event soon after.
Now she and Hayley are event directors, supported by a team of 8 run directors who help organise the weekly event, which attracts more than 100 people each week.
The Logan events vary in size, but there’s no competition or rivalry: it’s one happy community.
‘There is a really good relationship between all Logan parkruns,’ Michaela says.
‘When we celebrate milestones – such as our 7th birthday on 15 July – people come across from other parkruns to celebrate. We really are all one big community.’
Hayley says parkrun means a lot to people in a range of ways.
‘It can be about getting outdoors, getting fit, catching up with friends, taking the time for yourself,and feeling part of a community,’ she says.
‘There really is a myriad of reasons why people love it.’
Michaela says one man even approached her and said parkrun had saved his life.
‘He had struggled with depression and the impact of coming out to parkrun for him was massive,’ she says.
The ethos of parkrun is one that is worldwide – there are parkruns in more than 2,000 locations in 22 countries – and travelling parkrunners report the same happy, supportive vibe at events in all countries.
‘It is free, run by volunteers, and it’s not competitive. It’s something purely there for fun and health,’ Hayley says.
‘I would encourage anyone who has never been to come along. We have such a varied range of people – a big group of walkers and faster runners too. We aren’t scary, running is amazing, walking is amazing – just come along and see!’
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