What's so good about parkrun? We asked, they answered

Hundreds of residents and travellers have tied their laces for the Saturday morning five-kilometre event at Reddall Reserve since it began in September.

Organiser Brendan Scollary said that while the physical activity was important, the community you become part of is what really makes it special.

“Whether you’re running, walking or volunteering, the connections you form here help build confidence, boost wellbeing and create a welcoming space for everyone,” Brendan said.

On February 7, parkrunners avoided the heat of the day, starting their course at 8am. We asked participants what they loved about Reddall Reserve parkrun.

Ebony, Josh, and their new friend

Josh

“It’s nice to do something on your Saturday morning. It’s type-two fun – it might not be so fun while you’re doing it, but you feel awesome after. You can get a bit competitive, which I like, and there’s a bit of a social aspect.”

Greg

“I had a heart attack about four years ago. And I started walking, and then it was taking too long to walk, so I started jogging – my son was doing it and he suggested we did a couple parkruns together. He's dropped out now, but I've kept going. I've done 36 or 37 parkruns.”

Giselle and Carrie

Giselle

“I came along to make friends and now I've met Carrie! I moved up to Shell Cove from Canberra 18 months ago and didn't know anybody here. People at work suggested this would be a great place to make friends, and I had never run before that.”

Carrie

“Oh my gosh, she’s killing it! I've been a member of parkrun for about 10 years but I'm still hoping to get to 50 parkruns this year. Since this one opened up, this is my regular one. I just decided to try to get back into some running goals and meet new friends. And I've met a number of friends here. Reddall Reserve parkrun really is the best one. I’ve volunteered, we’ve both volunteered here a few times too, and I hadn’t volunteered anywhere else, but here I felt comfortable doing so.”

Ava and Christina 

Christina

“Running, spending time with Minnie and Alana and Uncle Nick. Just getting out of the house and doing exercise and having people to talk to when you do it. Showing Ava how to have a healthy lifestyle.”

Heather

“I left home at about 20 to 6 this morning, because I don’t know the roads, but I wanted to come along today. This parkrun is new, and I don't know Wollongong very well, but I have been to all the parkruns here now. I learn about new places and I really love that.

“My husband passed away about four years ago, so parkrun has been a great thing for me. I didn't know how to book a hotel or book a plane before, but now I've had breakfast with lots of random strangers who've become my friends, and people who I might never meet again, but I've had lovely chats, too.”

Sue

“I was going to be in the area and this is a parkrun I haven't done, so I wanted to check it out. This was a lovely course, really pretty. I often travel to do a parkrun. Every group is a little bit different. This one's lovely, lots of fun. It's a really nice atmosphere here.”