October 4, 2016
“Parkrun”, the latest fitness craze sweeping Australia, could be coming to the South Burnett soon.
The family-friendly events are run under the banner of Parkrun Australia and are aimed at people of all abilities, from walkers to Olympians.
The idea is for timed 5km runs to be held weekly in pleasant surroundings.
The experience elsewhere is that the events quickly become social occasions for regular participants.
A committee was formed recently in the South Burnett and has begun holding planning meetings and signing up volunteers.
No date has been set yet for the first event, but it will most likely be held in Wondai and make use of the rail trail.
Parkruns must not cross roads, which makes the rail trail a perfect venue.
And the Parkrun could even attract visitors to the region.
There are multiple events listed on the Parkrun website in the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast but the nearest one to the South Burnett is in Highfields.
South Burnett councillor Ros Heit, who is on the Parkrun planning committee, is enthusiastic about the concept and the proposal has also been gaining strong support on social media.
