If you don't already know
Parkrun – let me introduce you. Parkrun is a free, timed, 5km run, organised by volunteers and run in various parks and open spaces. Parkrun originated in the UK back in 2004, before starting in Australia in 2011. The first run was on the Gold Coast, at Main Beach. Fast forward to 2022 and there are now 9 Gold Coast Parkrun locations.
It is very much an event for everyone. There is no emphasis on your placing, just a record of your time and the challenge to better your own time as the weeks go by. So it's a race against yourself. You can walk, jog, run, volunteer, spectate – whatever, just come along. As I mentioned, it's free, so there is no excuse for not taking part. If you are not a runner, you can start walking and work your way up to a run, as your fitness improves. It's a perfect way to help with any fitness goals. The people are a friendly bunch. I met my running friend on my first few runs and we've run and chatted more than 1,000kms since then. Now that I have run over 200 Parkruns, it could be time I ran all 9 of the Gold Coast Parkruns.
This article features: Varsity Lakes
Course description:
This is a great Parkrun as it is mainly flat with a couple of inclines, running along one side of Lake Orr. The route basically goes over the bridge, left - out and back, then right - out and back, return over the bridge and then finishes back at the start. So effectively there are two dead legs, which I don't enjoy compared with a circular route, but because the views over the lake are so lovely, you don't seem to notice. Underfoot is a mix of concrete path and timber decking.
Image courtesy of Parkrun and Google maps
The lake – it provides a beautiful setting.
Golden Moments: Sun sparkles on the lake surface in the morning light, rowers sculling past, the toddler 2 floors up on the balcony shyly waving, ducks bobbing at the edge and the big black swan on the bank.
Location:337 Christine Ave, Varsity Lakes.
Start:Look for the Aldi sign - the run starts and finishes between Aldi & The Sports House.
Time: Every Sat at 7am.
Parking: Easy - on either side of the road or in the Aldi car park.
Facilities: No toilets at event site. Nearest is at Easy T centre (5 mins drive)
Post run coffee: Zarraffa's, Easy T centre
Date run: 22.1.22. No. of participants that day: 142
Don't forget your barcode. No barcode = no time. Your time gets emailed to you after the event. You need to register before you go for the first time and carry a barcode with you. If you have a printed one, it helps to laminate it, as when it gets damp with rain or sweat, it tends to fall apart or you can use your phone. I was gifted a Parkrun wristband with my barcode on, which is one of the most useful gifts I've ever received. Click here to
register.
For
more info, follow the link. As of Jan 2022, there are more than 430
Parkrun events around Australia to choose from. Once you are hooked, make sure you bring the family along too or better still make it a family affair from the start.
There are 9 courses on the Gold Coast - as Mt Tambourine just falls outside the Gold Coast boundary. But hey if you have managed to run all 9, then add that 10th at Tamborine as the final challenge. I've read it's a
"challenging course across rough ground and hills". It's not called
Mount Tamborine for nothing, so I'd say this is not a course for beginner runners. Do the others first. You'll also have to get up earlier, to make the drive up the mountain first.
Course details for Varsity Lakes can be found
here.
