Redcliffe Park Run Is Here

Dust off your running shoes Redcliffe residents, you've got a great reason to get up on Saturday mornings.

By Susie Laery

Come this September on Saturday 16th at 7am, the internationally renowned parkrun will debut at Suttons Beach Park in Redcliffe

as the 'Redcliffe parkrun'.

Parkrun is an organisation that operates weekly throughout the world. It is a 5km timed run for everyone of all running abilities. It is a free event held on weekend mornings purely run by local volunteers. Runners hold parkrun barcodes, and runs are timed with results emailed to each registered runner. Results are collated and appear on the website specific to that parkrun.

Local resident Troy Lum initiated the 'Redcliffe parkrun'. An active runner who has been a regular participant and volunteer at the Sandgate parkrun, Troy said, There was always talk about why there was no parkrun in Redcliffe�.

Troy's passion for running also extends to coaching running groups. He is surrounded by like-minded people who are passionate about running, and who have all wanted to see a Redcliffe parkrun begin.

With parkrun organised on a pure volunteer basis, it had to take a local to become the initiator, and after consideration, Troy became this person. Taking six months from first approaching parkrun and going through the necessary processes with the local council the 'Redcliffe parkrun' is now within sight.

Due to Troy's initiation to start the 'Redcliffe parkrun' Troy has become the 'Event Director', though by no means is he doing this alone. Parkrun is very much a volunteer driven organisation.

It's 100% run by volunteers�, says Troy. Without the support of the local community, it wouldn't be happening. It's the perfect fit for me with my running background, and it's a great opportunity for me to be able to give back to the community.�

The Redcliffe parkrun will start at Suttons Beach Park. The course will run south first and then turn around where it will continue north encompassing a 5 km course. A risk assessment process has to be completed, and the course is approved by the parkrun organisation, meeting all safety conditions.