Come and try ... running or walking with Murray Bridge Parkrun

Since 2014, co-event director Todd Hillam has been an avid park-runner.

Weather permitting, this weekend may be the perfect time to join, as it is the group’s eighth birthday.

If you’re wondering what Parkrun is about, it’s all in the name – for the most part.

What you might not know is that it happens every week, it’s for free, there are a heap of health benefits from participating, and it might even connect you to people you may have never had the chance to meet.

When did you first start running with Parkrun?

I first started in 2014, with one of my mates at the Mount Barker Parkrun. This was before there was one at Murray Bridge. I’m now involved with the Parkrun here, and I’ll go with my wife and two kids. My kids are only young, they are eight and five, so they just walk it.

What do you get out of it?

It’s great for your physical health, and it’s a very social event. You get to catch up with people, make new friends, so it’s also good for mental health. If you want to be a spectator, you can also choose to volunteer. We always need timekeepers, and people to check participants’ barcodes when they cross the finish line. Also, you get badges when you reach certain parkrun milestones, like completing your 25th, 50th, 100th Parkrun. It’s a good way to keep yourself motivated. And everyone tracks their own results through an app, which are then logged into the Parkrun system, so you can keep track of your time improvements every week.

What has been your fondest memory with Parkrun?

Seeing my girls do their 10th Parkrun. They are nearly onto their 25th now, which is awesome. Also, all the new friends I’ve made along the way, who I wouldn’t have met otherwise. It’s all the friendships you make with different people.

Why should people join Parkrun?

Everyone should join, it’s great for your physical and mental health. There is no age or fitness barrier, you can walk or run the course, and the friendships you’ll make along the way is another positive aspect. So there is no reason not to come out. Also, each week someone is nominated to be the tail walker, so you’ll never finish last.

• More information: www.parkrun.com.au/murraybridge or the group’s Facebook page.

You can help keep local stories like this one free for everyone to read. Subscribe to Murray Bridge News today and support your independent, locally owned news service, plus get access to exclusive stories you won’t find anywhere else, for just $5.50 a month.