For the fun of the run
Event director Colin Little goes the extra-terrestrial mile for the big occasion.
Despite the wind and the rain, 200 people were up bright and early on Saturday morning pounding the pavement between Two Mile Bay and Wharewaka.
By Sharon Drinnan
Young and old. Fast and slow. It was Taupō Parkun’s 400th event with costumes and cupcakes the order of the day.
Established in 2017, it has grown from an average of 45 attendees to 180 which can swell to over 300 on public holidays.
All year round, this hardy bunch gather at Two Mile Bay reserve on a Saturday at 8am.
Event director Colin Little says he first started attending Parkrun after a work colleague invited him to an event in Wellington.
Two years later, Parkrun started in Taupō town, and he started coming regularly. When the Event Director stepped down due to family and work commitments, he put his hand up.
“I like that it is open to everyone, they can walk, they can run, they can bring their kids and the dog. It is all inclusive.”
He says for those who are thinking about coming to Parkrun “just do it”.
“Sign up and get your unique barcode, and that’s all you need to bring with you.”
Colin has amassed an incredible 290 volunteers and organised 200 runs in his commitment to keep Taupo Parkrun operating.
Saturday morning started with the volunteers arriving first.
Donning their orange vests, they got busy erecting flags, setting out cones, and the marshals headed off to their appointed places on course.
At Parkrun, all events are run by volunteers.
Jessica Shand, a regular volunteer, says, “Originally, I came along for my mental health, and I was also recovering from surgery, and I just carried on doing it, volunteering every weekend.
“I like the social interaction and meeting local, out of town, and overseas people.
“I usually marshal so like pushing the runners to do their best, encouraging them and giving out high fives.”
Volunteering is highly valued at Parkrun with those who participate taking turns to keep the event running. Those who want to just volunteer, like Jessica, are welcomed too.
Soon people began to gather, and the first shout out of the day was a call to all those who were at Taupo Parkrun for the first time.
A group of overseas and kiwi visitors to town joined with those locals who were trying it out for the first time.
They were warmly welcomed and given a quick overview of the course and any questions answered.
In the meantime, the gathering crowd quickly began to swell as the start time approached.
All ages are welcomed at Parkrun, so the crowd was a wonderful mix of ages.
Liz Moore, a senior attendee, says she likes to come to Parkrun “because of all the fabulous people here.
“I started in 2017 and it’s the people who keep me coming.”
George Fisher, a junior attendee, echoed the same sentiments.
Runners dress up for the 400th iteration of the Taupō Parkrun.
Designated tail-walker Kevin Insley and Jessica Shand arrive for the big day on Saturday morning.
“I like Parkrun because it’s a fun run and its good fun with everyone else here. You can also go as fast you want or as slow as you want.
“I come with my family, and we do it together.”
As the noise of chatter grew, it was obvious the social nature of this event was strong. The relaxed atmosphere reflected that this was not a race.
This was a gathering of community, a place where they came to get some exercise but more importantly, also connect with others. And of course, this is not a race. Though timed and placement tokens given, these are only for personal benefit.
A second shout out soon quieted the crowd as the event briefing began.
Here Andrew Milne, one of eight run directors, kept everyone entertained with his wit whilst simultaneously advising everyone of the Health and Safety requirements.
Visitors were again welcomed individually coming from Wellington, Palmerston North, Whangarei, Invercargill, Cambridge, Auckland, and Brisbane.
Parkrun milestones were given a hearty cheer. Come 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 times, and you can wear one of the milestone t-shirts you see dotted amongst the crowd being worn proudly.
Briefing done, the airhorn was sounded and everyone was off.
Being an out and back course along the lakefront pathway, the finish is right where you started from.
The 5 km course is often remarked on by visitors for its views of the lake and mountains.
The speedsters got across the finish line in quick fashion but those at the back of the pack needn’t have worried about being last as there was a designated Tailwalker volunteer who is always last to cross the line.
Though still raining, groups stayed around chatting and eating cupcakes before many headed over to the nearby café for warmth and coffee.
This will all be repeated, minus the cupcakes, next Saturday and every Saturday.
If you would like to learn more or register for Parkrun, visit: parkrun.co.nz
A personal barcode can be downloaded for free when you register.
Parkrun operates every week in 62 different locations around New Zealand and in thousands of locations all over the world.
Once registered, you can attend any Parkrun, anywhere. For everyone, always free.