New Zealand’s parkrun line-up is missing a J, and Eileen Beattie is hoping the Janie Seddon waterfront track will fill the gap.
The Motueka runner has been pounding pavements “as long as I can remember” and is working to make the parkrun phenomenon a local fixture.
The concept began in the United Kingdom 22 years ago and was introduced to New Zealand in 2012. There are now more than 2000 parkrun locations internationally and 67 in New Zealand, including Westport, Blenheim, Hanmer Springs and Nelson. The latter attracts more than 200 participants each week.
Parkrun courses vary, but they share some key features worldwide. They are always free to attend, always on a Saturday morning and always 5km. The default starting time is 8am, with newbies urged to arrive 10 minutes early for a briefing.
The events are inclusive and family friendly – pushchairs, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and leashed dogs are generally welcome.
Parkrun is not competitive, aside from chasing your own personal best, Eileen says.
“The amazing thing is, all kinds of people turn up,” she explains. “It’s not just for elite runners.”
Participants register before their first run to track results, and their unique barcode acts as a passport for any parkrun worldwide.
Some enthusiasts aim to “run the alphabet” by completing courses starting with every letter. Eileen discovered that although New Zealand has several Ms, it lacks a J – skipping from Invercargill straight to the Kapiti Coast. She and other runners have measured a 5km route from the saltwater baths to the Janie Seddon and back, meeting parkrun requirements for accessibility, width and elevation.
The final hurdle is recruiting volunteers for tasks like marshalling, time-keeping and scanning. Volunteers are not required every week and can still take part in the run.
Once a volunteer list is place, Eileen will submit Motueka’s proposal back to parkrun’s organisational body to see if the town can join the official lineup. To register interest in volunteering, contact Eileen at ladyp772@gmail.com.
