parkrun coming to Central Otago!
The Central Otago district is going to be hosting its first parkrun in May.
© parkrun New Zealand is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. The launch of the Otago Central Rail Trail parkrun, Alexandra, will take place on Saturday 11 May 2024 at 9am.
The initiative is being supported by the Central Otago District Council, with approval given to cross Council land. The approved course starts on the Otago Central Rail Trail to the north of Dunstan Park subdivision (approximately 150 metres North of Pollock Street, Alexandra). The course heads north on the rail trail (which runs parallel to Dunstan Road) for approximately 2.4 kilometres, then returns until reaching Council land where it loops through the Pines for 400 metres and finishes on the rail trail.
There will be two trial runs in April to ensure the event organisers are ready to hit the ground running by the launch date. These will take place on Saturday 20 April at 2pm and Sunday 28 April at 1pm.
The distance is 5km and takes place every Saturday morning, in many places (over 20 countries) all around the world. Some of Central Otago’s neighbouring towns host parkrun events, including Wānaka and Queenstown.
Central Otago District Council Parks Officer Maria Burnett said the parks team was fully supportive of the parkrun concept coming to the district, and excited about the wide range of choices open to people to take part.
“This event is a fantastic example of how Central Otago’s open spaces can be optimised to the benefit of the community. It’s not just a walk in the park; it’s about wellbeing, and it can be as challenging as you want to make it.
“But the main driver behind it is participation and taking advantage of those wonderful parks and reserves that we’re so lucky to have.”
There are currently 42 parkrun around New Zealand and number 43 is set to be Alexandra, thanks to the initiative of some inspiring members from our community, including Sally Booth, parkrun Alexandra Event Director, who has led the charge. Alexandra local Sally said she got involved because she could see that this was something that would benefit the community.
“I just see the value in physical activity and connecting people together.”
The inclusiveness and wellbeing initiative is organised by a group of dedicated local volunteers. If you are interested in getting parkrun off the ground in Alexandra and being added to the volunteer list, please contact the Event Directors:
Sally Booth: 0279569807
Sarah McKey: 0279556154
To find out more, you can visit the New Zealand parkrun website at home | parkrun New Zealand. If you don't already have a parkrun ID, you can register there as well.
The Otago Central Rail Trail parkrun website, Facebook page and email will be live by 19 April 2024 and course details will be on the website from 20 April 2024.
