IT’S been more than nine months since the last time a parkrun event was held in Coffs Harbour but the wait is almost over.

The Saturday morning 5km run or walk that starts and ends at Park Beach Reserve will be starting again on 2 January.

Event Director Ed Brazier said the search to volunteers to help conduct the return event at 7am was a quick one.

“We’ve got the volunteer roster full for the first one and the council’s been very nice and are happy for us to go ahead,” Brazier said.

“They (the Council) have been very accommodating.”

The best thing about parkrun is that it isn’t just for athletes.

It’s for everyone who wants to run or walk 5km at their own pace.

There’s no time limit and no one finishes last.

Everyone is welcome to come along, whether you walk, jog, run, take your dog, volunteer or spectate.

“It’s just about getting out there,” Brazier said.

“It’s a healthy way to get to know people in the community. It’s a great way for a lot of people getting out of bed on a Saturday morning and starting their weekend with some exercise.”

Registration is completely free and only needs to be done once.

Before heading down to Park Beach, simply complete the registration at parkrun.com.au, print your barcode, then head down.

As the first event back will be the first time it’s been run since 14 March, Brazier added there might be a good sized field celebrating parkrun’s return in Coffs Harbour.

“We’re expecting quite a few people. It’s the holiday period as well so there should be a few visitors as well,” he said.

“I think our record is around 180 people and I think we’ll get close to that.”

 

By Brad GREENSHIELDS