A new weekly Guelph event which aims to encourage physical fitness with a run through the park.
Parkrun aims to include runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels. While the races are timed, the overall goal is not competition but self-improvement.
Thus far, the event’s attendance has certainly been diverse. The five-kilometre route has seen not just walkers and runners but parents pulling along strollers and pet-owners with dogs on leashes. The group regularly grabs a coffee at the Boathouse Tea Room after the run. The September 7 edition of Parkrun will feature a special picnic that includes a potluck table.
Guelph’s Parkrun was created by local runner Aidan Kelly, who attended similar events in Ireland and Kitchener. The first Parkrun was held in London, England in 2004, and since then, the movement has grown to encompass 22 countries and six million registered runners. Local fitness and athletic events like these often use tools like poster printing and banner printing to help boost participation, but having an international movement doesn’t hurt either.
Parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9am across the Eramosa River Trail. The run takes place rain or shine, and plans to continue year round. Attendees should register before their first run. Runners’ results are posted online so that they can track their times and see how it’s improved.
