Parkrun gives new lease on life

Warragul resident Amy McCall has found a new lease on an active life after joining up for Parkrun in November last year.

The 31-year-old primary school teacher is responsible for bringing Parkrun to Warragul. Amy had discovered a passion for running at Pakenham Parkrun that she wanted to share with her local community.

For Amy, the Parkrun community became a motivating force to get active and fit. Passionate about health and wellness, Amy wants other Warragul residents to join in and experience Parkrun’s social and physical benefits.

“Through Parkrun, I’ve developed a fantastic network of supportive friends and have found in running an amazing way to relieve stress and improve my overall wellness,” she said.

“I started running last year down at Pakenham and thought it was an amazing opportunity for our community. “I’m just doing my bit to get people more active.” Amy said Parkrun had helped many people achieve and even exceed their goals.

“There were people who thought they couldn’t run five kilometres and they are starting to see that they can,” she said. “Some people are training for half marathons. “It’s good to see people set other running goals.” Supported by VicHealth’s TeamUp, Parkrun creates an inclusive, non-competitive running community in the region.

Warragul Parkrun is one of 24 Parkrun events that take place across the state, with the local event held at Brooker Park every Saturday at 8am.

The 5km-timed events are open to runners of all abilities and offer participants an opportunity to get active and fit, while enjoying the camaraderie of group fitness.

The Parkrun enthusiast is calling on locals to sign up for Warragul Parkrun and to find out more through VicHealth’s free TeamUp app.

The TeamUp app is a social community that connects people through physical activities in their local area.

This app allows users to search and locate a wide range of free and low-cost activities in metropolitan, suburban and regional areas across the state, including Parkrun events.

VicHealth chief executive Jerril Rechter said TeamUp helps finding motivation to get up off the couch and go for a walk or run.

“It makes getting active fun and social by connecting with like-minded people in your area,” she said.

Parkrun Australia general manager Tim Oberg said TeamUp and Parkrun share a common goal in motivating Victorians to get active.