Leigh Elliott, Nat Connolly, Sam North, Lynda Barclay, Robin Rishworth (front), Josh Perizzolo, Matt Hood and Terri-Anne Maher.
Parkrun is still relatively new to Deniliquin, but is growing in popularity with every event.
Started locally in July last year, the local group only managed to host five weekend Parkrun events before being shut down by COVID-19 regulations.
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After a long wait, the group finally got approval on December 16 that it could host an event on December 18.
Group member Lynda Barclay said given the short notice, a smaller field of participants attended.
But among them were some visitors who had been waiting eagerly for the Deniliquin events to start again.
‘‘Parkrun tourism is getting very popular, and of the 10 people we had there on December 18 we had two from the Blue Mountains near Sydney, one from Parramatta in west Sydney and one from Healesville in Victoria,’’ Barclay said.
‘‘The Sydney trio has competed in every other New South Wales Parkrun event, and they had been waiting for us to re-start.
‘‘They made the trip specifically.
‘‘We’ve also had some interest from visitors who want to participate in our January 8 run.’’
After a Christmas Day break, Parkrun begins again this Saturday.
And pending any further COVID-19 impediments, it will be held every Saturday throughout the year.
Parkrun is not a formal competition, but an opportunity for people to come together and improve their fitness.
Deniliquin’s weekly 5km run starts at McLean Beach and travels along the Beach to Beach Walk, through the Island Sanctuary to Memorial Park before returning on the same route.
‘‘Parkrun is a great motivator for your own fitness goals,’’ Barclay said.
‘‘You can come down any Saturday and walk, run or jog. You can even bring your dog and your little ones in the stroller.
‘‘You can just come along on a Saturday, but for many the Parkrun is also a motivator to work on your fitness during the week too, in preparations for the weekend.
‘‘Parkrun is a timed event, but it’s only so you can record any personal bests. The only person you are competing against is yourself.
‘‘It is a very social event, for participants and our volunteers, and we’re always looking for more volunteers.’’
Results from the December 18 Parkrun event are as follows:
