WALKERS, joggers and runners have an extra spring in their step because Beaudesert is finally getting its own parkrun.
Trial runs will take place at 7am on April 7 and 14 for Beaudesert’s new weekly parkrun, with a launch date yet to be announced at time of print.
The event will leave from Lions Bicentennial Park and follow a 5km loop through land attached to the Spring Creek development.
The exciting news comes nearly a decade after local runners Mel Frazer and Shelly Currie first tried to get a parkrun in Beaudesert in 2015.
The challenge has always been that Beaudesert does not have 5km of continuous path to form a loop and meet the requirements of parkrun.
The global parkrun charity (deliberately spelled ‘parkrun’ in lower case and as one word) organises free weekly runs and is funded through donations, grants and sponsorship.
The breakthrough for Beaudesert came when Spring Creek developers offered a section of flat grassy track attached to their housing development for parkrun.
They also contributed about $7500 for setup costs including signage, a defibrillator and insurance.
Development Manager Chris McKinnon said it was about giving back.
“We like to do things that engage the community and help the places where we develop and the Council we work with,” he said.
Event Directors Mel and Shelly said a local parkrun could not happen without that level of support.
Shelly said it had been a long time coming.
“It was 2015 when we started talking about it and going for runs all over Beaudesert to try and find a 5km loop for parkrun,” she said.
“We started up the Beaudesert Pacers in lieu of a parkrun and that was pretty successful until Covid hit.”
Mel said it was exciting news for Beaudesert.
“It’s for everyone. It’s for your dog, it’s for your baby, anyone who wants to be active whether you walk or run, whatever your pace,” she said.
“It’s welcoming and inclusive and no-one will ever be left behind out on course because there are tail walkers.”
Volunteers are being sought to help with parkrun roles from timekeeping to photography. To get involved, contact Shelly on 0447 755 866 or Mel on 0412 040 418.
