Thursday, October 17, 2024

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Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Lace Up For The 300th Plantation Parkrun Extravaganza!

A monumental milestone occasion, this Saturday, 19 October, will see the 300th Plantation Parkrun event take place from 7am at Plantation Park.

A beloved Burdekin tradition, the very first Plantation Parkrun event made its debut on Friday 17 February 2018, which saw almost 100 local runners take to the 5k track. Making history, the first runner to cross the Plantation Parkrun finish line was Adrian Royce with a time of 18:45, who was soon followed by Justin Knight-Gray (20:22), and Josh Schultz (20:45).

Over the past 299 events, almost 6000 runners have crossed the Plantation Park finish line, with an average time of 39:35. A number to be celebrated, more than 900 personal bests have been achieved, and almost 200 volunteers are to be commended for their efforts in making the past 299 events possible.

To those with a competitive streak, these are the 5k times to beat to make it into the Plantation Parkrun history books! In the female division, the time to beat is 21:10 which was set by Shannen McDonald in the 27th Plantation Parkrun held on 1 September 2018. 16:05 stands as the time to beat in the male division; a record set by 116 time return Parkrun champion, Tony Gordon on 2 October 2021.

Plantation Parkrun operates as a free, fun and friendly weekly five-kilometer community event where locals are invited to come along for a walk, jog or run, with many also encouraged to volunteer, or spectate. Each Saturday at 7am, runners prepare to ready, set, go close to the Plantation Park Information Centre and complete two equal laps of the park, South into the Juru Walk.

Operated on a voluntary basis, there are plenty of opportunities for members of the community to try new roles and become part of the Parkrun event. If you would like to become a volunteer, please email plantation@parkrun.com or pop down to the park on a Saturday from 7am to speak with team.

The entire Burdekin community is invited to bring their pups, prams and running shoes to Plantation Park this Saturday to be part of this extraordinary 300th milestone event! Competitors interested in walking, running or jogging the trail along with members of the community wanting to cheer on their friends as they cross the finish line are invited to meet near the Plantation Park Information Centre before the 7am start.

To register to compete in this Saturday’s event, please visit www.parkrun.com.au/plantation.

What: The 300th Plantation Parkrun Event
When: Saturday 19 October at 7am
Where: Near the Plantation Park Information Centre
More Information: Visit www.parkrun.com.au/plantation

A wonderful milestone, the community is invited to come along to Plantation Parkrun’s 300th event this Saturday!

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