Winter has waned, and the warmer weather is on its way, bringing the motivation to spring into action, dust off the cobwebs and get moving. parkrun Australia is encouraging everyone this Spring to get moving, by either walking or running in their weekly local parkrun events.
If you are not a runner then not to worry, walking is the perfect way to get started on your spring exercise regime, and it is also know to improve a persons overall heart health . According to The Heart Foundation, walking for an average of 30 minutes a day can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 per cent, with evidence showing the benefits of walking also extend to the brain – improving learning and memory skills and reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
“Despite our name, parkrun welcomes walkers,” said parkrun Australia CEO, Tim Oberg. “Our events are non-competitive and although participants can access their finishing times to “race against themselves”, it’s all about a shared community experience, rather than racing. In fact, over the seven years since parkrun came to Australia, the average finishing time has been slower and slower every year. This statistic is indicative of the inclusive nature of parkrun – it’s not a race; it’s about participating, rather than finishing fast.”
With more than 360 locations around Australia, South Bank parkrun is a free weekly 5 kilometre event for runners of all standards, which takes place every Saturday at 7:00 am, running through South Bank Parklands. Taking part in parkrun is easy-register online before you get to the starting line. Runners also enjoy grabbing a post run coffee at local cafes, where you can swap stories or chat to other runners about your new fitness journey.
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