By Ewen McRae
Runners of Bacchus Marsh, it’s time to lace up those sneakers.
This weekend will see the first official Park Run at Peppercorn Park, with the global craze spreading its wings into the town for the first time.
While Park Run – a weekly social 5km running/walking event – has been in Melton and Wyndham Vale for a number of years, event director Adrian Hillyer said it was time for the event to have a local staging.
“Having recently moved to the area and wanting to get involved in the community, I thought this would be a great thing for the town,” he said.
“I’ve done Park Runs in the area I used to live, and I wanted to bring that experience here.
“I did the one in Toolern Creek in Melton, and there were people there who were travelling every week from Bacchus Marsh, so there’s obviously enough demand for this.”
Two trial runs have already been staged for the event, with the first drawing 33 runners and the second bringing 89 to run the course.
Mr Hillyer said it was the laid-back nature of the event which made it so popular.
“A local Park Run creates a community feeling,” he said.
“It gives people the chance to volunteer and give back, it creates new friendships, and it’s a free way to help improve your fitness in whatever way you’re able.
“Just come along and have fun.”
The Peppercorn Park Park Run will officially start on February 29, with runners asked to arrive for a briefing at 7.50am before the run kicks off at 8am.
