Community spirit was in the air at The Arts Centre Gold Coast on Saturday 28. Over 150 Gold Coast and Logan residents competed in the first official parkrun event, held next to Evandale Lake. Runners of all ages and fitness levels came together to celebrate the debut of the Surfer’s Paradise parkrun sector and to commemorate Christine’s milestone 100th run.
“It’s been quite a journey. I started with the run director, Davina, in Coomera in 2012. Originally, a friend and I began walking to lose weight. Now I’ve completed two marathons, reached my 50th parkrun in Hervey Bay, lost 45 kilos and decided to complete my 100th run at the launch of the Surfer’s Paradise course”.
Parkrun is a worldwide phenomenon combining fitness with interactive technology. Started in 2010 in London by Tim Oberg, and brought to the Gold Coast in 2011, parkrun is unique in that it allows participants to have their personal times electronically scanned and saved, making them accessible for future use at any other parkrun course.
The highly inclusive, free community event is just one of many new attractions debuting as part of the continued development of The Cultural Precinct, the Gold Coast’s future cultural and social hub.. Stage one of development has begun and all construction will likely be completed by 2018.
Locals and visitors were encouraged to the finish line by passionate volunteers guiding them through their 5k run around Evandale Lake’s bike path. The fastest course completion for Saturday’s event was 17 minutes but Christine stresses there’s no such thing as last place.
“You can walk, run or crawl if you have to. Anyone can participate. You’re normally never, ever last because there’s always a tail walker.”
Anyone looking to have fun while getting fit on a Saturday morning at 7am can register at http://www.parkrun.com.au/register/. Leashed dogs welcome. Fresh fruit and coffee will be available after the course. The Arts Centre art gallery is open on weekends from 11am to 5pm.
More information about Surfer’s Paradise parkrun available here: http://www.parkrun.com.au/surfersparadise/
More information about the Gold Coast Cultural Precinct available here: http://www.theartscentregc.com.au/more/gold-coast-cultural-precinct-design-competition/
