In partnership with Sunshine Coast Council’s Active, healthy Sunshine Coast initiative, the global community running phenomenon parkrun is set to launch on 27 October 2012 at Kawana.
Every Saturday residents are invited to participate in a free, weekly, timed 5km run or walk, commencing at 7am adjacent to Kawana Surf Club.
Division 4 Councillor Chris Thompson said council’s Active, healthy Sunshine Coast program aims to increase the health and wellbeing of the community and offers a variety of programs and activities.
“parkrun on the Sunshine Coast is one of the great activities supported through council’s Active, healthy Sunshine Coast program,” he said.
“We are delighted to welcome the inaugural Sunshine Coast event to be launched at Kawana.
“Globally, there are more than 200 parkrun events worldwide with over 450,000 registered members,” he said.
“Kawana parkrun is open to runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels completing a 5km timed course starting at 7am.
“Registration is simple. Runners must register with parkrun online before the event and then print a barcode which is scanned at the end of each run and matched with the runner’s finishing time.
“It would be great to see parkrun expand on the Coast to other locations.
“I encourage people to head to Kawana this Saturday to participate in the inaugural Kawana parkrun.”
University of the Sunshine Coast student Kelly Daly first heard about parkrun from her friends who regularly participate in the New Farm parkrun in Brisbane.
“I was inspired by the fact that all events are completely free of charge so contacted the General Manager of parkrun Australia, Tim Oberg to initiate Kawana parkrun.
“Cost is a massive barrier for people to participate in sport and with parkrun runners run for free thanks to the wonderful support of sponsors adidas and Suncorp.
“Without their support parkrun simply couldn’t survive,” Ms Daly said.
Visit www.parkrun.com.au for more information and to register.
