The call went out and 22 people answered, securing Motueka’s place in the international parkrun line-up.
After months of planning, race director Eileen Beattie says the launch date for Motueka’s inaugural event is locked in for Saturday, 21 March. Securing a line-up of volunteers was one of the final hurdles, and Eileen was delighted that almost two dozen people responded to The Guardian’s call for helpers in January.
Participants need to register online if they haven’t previously taken part in a parkrun event. They are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early for the 8am start, and Eileen says that “rain, hail or shine, we go”.
The parkrun 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.
Parkrun courses vary, but they share key features worldwide. They are always free to attend, always on a Saturday morning and always 5km. The default start time is 8am, with newcomers 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 muster point for Motueka’s event, dubbed the Motueka Beach Reserve Parkrun, is on the Massey/ Everett Street track between the Talleys factory and the saltwater baths. People are welcome to attend the coming weekend’s trial run, but no times will be recorded until the official launch day.
Motueka’s is the 67th parkrun in New Zealand, and is run via the official parkrun format, right down to the liability insurance.
“If we burn any trees down with the speed we’re running, we’re covered,” Eileen quips.
For more information, contact www.parkrun.co.nz/motuekabeachreserve.
