A weekly Saturday morning run was launched on May 31, at Mt Penang Parklands in Kariong with 72 runners participating.
Available to the whole community at no charge, the grounds of the Parklands now host this fitness initiative each Saturday from 8am to 9pm starting and finishing in the Mt Penang Gardens. People of all ages and ability are encouraged to take part in the 5km run. Event director Ms Naomi Neilson said runners can enjoy one of the most scenic areas on the Central Coast. “The course takes participants around the peaceful surroundings of the Mt Penang Parklands and Gardens. “Organised with the amateur in mind, we invite everyone to give parkrun a try, from walkers or those taking up running to those training for longer pursuits.
“This weekly event allows local people to take part in free, organised physical activity in a friendly social environment. “Give it a go, we want as many people as possible to join us. “You’ll have fun, improve your health and fitness and meet great people along the way,” she said. The Mt Penang parkrun is a partnership between parkrun Australia, the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation (CCRDC) and local volunteers. CCRDC’s chairman Mr Graeme Inchley said that dedicated volunteers enable parkrun to take place every week.
“The Corporation supports this initiative which allows families to get together and get fit at a free community event. “It must be recognised that it’s the tireless volunteers that make it happen. “Parkrun is run entirely by volunteers who contribute their time freely to Mt Penang Parklands,” he said.
Media release, 2 Jun 2014
Stephanie Prouse,
CCRDC