BEAUDESERT’S Jeune Park parkrun is back after a three-month hiatus.
The free weekly 5km paddock run behind Spring Creek Estate returned on February 8.
Boggy conditions and flood damage had forced the run to be called off since November 9.
It was particularly disheartening for those who had advocated for about a decade to get Beaudesert’s parkrun, launched on April 27 last year.
The comeback was a joyous occasion heavily supported by parkrun tourists who came to volunteer and participate.
The visiting volunteers gave locals who would usually volunteer a chance to get out and experience the course for the first time.
It’s not about winning, but it was notable that barefoot Toowoomba runner Mark Gal crossed the line first.
Gal was one of nine Toowoomba runners who camped out at Barney to make a weekend of their parkrun visit.
Beaudesert local Natalie Schubert, who found a supportive community in parkrun when she got involved last year, was thrilled to have it back.
She started out volunteering as trail walker because she didn’t have the confidence to complete the course. She has gone from strength to strength since, even participating in other parkruns.
“I really love it because I’m a stay-at-home mum and I can come on a Saturday when my husband’s home,” she said.
Organisers Melissa Frazer and Shelly Currie said it had taken time for the site to dry out and working with Council and developers to reopen the course.
They said anticipation had been strong for parkrun’s return.
They urged locals to come back and get involved again by walking, jogging, running, volunteering or spectating and said it was a family, dog and pram friendly event.
Jeune Park parkrun is every Saturday at 7am on Tom Enright Drive.
For more information or to volunteer email jeunepark@parkrun.com or follow Jeune Park parkrun on Facebook.
