For those of us who grind away at work Monday to Friday, Saturday mornings are our first moments of sweet freedom, our time to do something just for ourselves. Whether it’s checking the surf, staying in bed, or getting a nice coffee and heading out to Saturday sport, Saturday morning is a time to do something for yourself. If you wander down to Waikanae on any Saturday morning at 8 am, you’ll see a happy group of people who think that Parkrun is the perfect way to start a Saturday.
Parkrun is a world-wide organization that holds weekly, free community 5 km run/walks. Gisborne has had its very own Parkrun since 2018, and every week people from all over our community meet up at 8 am and either run, jog or walk a lovely 5 km trail that showcases the natural beauty of Gisborne, winding past our beaches and rivers.
Parkrun attracts a wide variety of people - from serious runners training for their next marathon, to families with pushchairs and scooters, to the folks just out for a Saturday morning stroll. Literally everyone is welcome - even dogs (although it’s called “Barkrun” for them). Participants can register online and are given a barcode which is scanned at the end of the run. Later in the day, an email comes with your time, your ranking, etc., if you’re interested in tracking your progress.
As Saturday morning Parkruns go, I’m in the Parkwalk camp. You’ll usually find me at the back of the pack with my dog. There are plenty of people like me, who are just happy to finish, who probably don’t even check their time afterwards, and who just like starting their Saturdays with a few thousand steps under their belt and a meet-up with their mates. I know I could just start at my front door and walk 5 km, but there is some special magic in being a part of this community of Parkwalkers that I can’t quite put my finger on.
Parkrun finishes its 5 km loop right back at the Waikanae playground, where several volunteers are there to cheer you to the finish line and scan your barcode. Volunteers are the backbone of our community, and Parkrun only happens thanks to a small handful of heroes in high-vis who keep this weekly event running smoothly, rain or shine.
At the finish line, most people linger for a few minutes, feeling that post-workout high and having a quick chat or even a beach dip, before they head off to the farmers market or the sports field or to their favourite cafe. If you’re looking to switch up your Saturday morning routine, come and give Parkrun a go.
Gisborne parkrun happens each Saturday at 8am from Waikanae Playground. It is free to join. Find all the info you need about free registration, printing and bringing your barcode, and all the course info here: https://www.parkrun.co.nz/gisborne/.
Words by Susan Partington
Photos by Gisborne parkrun volunteers Brent Houthuijzen and Paul White