Parkville parkrun returns after COVID hiatus

After lockdown put a stop to community sport and gym memberships for more than eight months, the Parkville Parkrun is more popular than ever since returning.

Kicking off again earlier this year, the 5km, volunteer-led run has been a hit with locals on    Saturday mornings.

Run director Ellyse Plant said that since returning, people had been coming out in droves to run or volunteer.

“We’re currently averaging 200-plus runners consistently and are getting lots of messages about people who want to come and volunteer,” Ms Plant said.

“We’ve had good feedback and everyone in general is excited to be back.”

Parkville Parkrun has been a staple for the community for almost four years and is a free event designed to bring people together and encourage physical fitness.

The course begins at 8am on the lawn area directly to the north of Ikon Park stadium and loops around Carlton’s Princes Park.

Although the event is timed and you receive a ranking, Ms Plant said the event was “for all abilities”.

“You don’t have to run. You can walk, run with a dog, with a pram, or with your kids. It’s not strictly for runners,” Ms Plant said.

“It’s really for everyone and it brings people together. Even people who are injured come along and volunteer.”

Ms Plant said that since returning, the event has also allowed the community to re-connect with each other after a difficult year.

“To have not had the event for so long and to see it open up in other states, I think people are grateful to have it open up even if there are some small changes,” Ms Plant said.

“People love Parkrun and make a lot of connections and friends from the events.”