Nathalia Parkrun Celebrates Milestones

Over the last few weeks the Nathalia Showgrounds Parkrun has reach two big milestones and celebrated well.

It is 2 years since the first Event finally hit the 5 kilometre creek-side track after official approval was given by the International Parkrun administrators. COVID-related delays kept the initial crew of volunteers, led by Helen Williams, paused but ready and there have now been 100 successful Events. Cakes from ‘Three Belles’ were offered at the finish line to share the fun anniversary celebrations.

 Local people, aged between 4 and 84, make up the majority of participants, gathering at the start line behind the tennis courts each Saturday for an 8 a.m. start. There are no limits on the number of runners/walkers, and all are welcome. A simple, free, once-only online registration is encouraged which creates an individual barcode used to digitally collate your records for you no matter wear in the world you take part. Just bring your device with you and a volunteer will help you complete it.

There is never any cost to join in, and the friendly volunteers will help you enjoy our beautiful track along the creek, whether you walk slowly (with your dog if you wish) or run quickly, or any combination in between. You will never be the final person over the line because that is a role for a volunteer (Tailwalker) who ensures all participants safely complete the course. The event is timed, in case you want to challenge yourself to get faster, but the focus is on regular healthy exercise in a lovely outdoor environment. If 5 kilometres doesn’t sound like a challenge you want to tackle but you like the sound of the friendly community, we’ll welcome you as a volunteer!

Nathalia Showgrounds is a popular choice with ‘Parkrun tourists’ from around the country. Dedicated Parkrunners can spend most weekends travelling to new places, then join the ‘locals’ for coffee or breakfast , gathering information about attractions in the area they might enjoy  before going home.  It’s a lovely way to start the weekend!

If you are able to go to the Facebook page, the photos taken on December 2^nd (the birthday event, which was actually Event 101 – let’s not mention that to Michele at Three Belles!) are available there. There are quite a few – you might be able to identify those that would be most useful?

Nathalia Showgrounds parkrun is the Facebook page.

At Nathalia Showgrounds Parkrun a total of 1527 people have crossed the line at the end – an average of 15 people per week. That’s 503 different people who have finished our Nathalia showgrounds Parkrun since it started. The average finish time is about 37 minutes, though some people are pursuing the Nathalia record, set by Shane Thiele (an AFL Umpire) on 19 February 2022. Shane completed the course in less than 17 minutes! Rhianna Wik-Gamble set the fastest female time – 21:27, at Event #2 in December 2021. 138 volunteers have helped make this free, fun and friendly event a regular gathering at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning, behind the tennis courts. Come on down and join us!