Fremantle’s first parkrun launches this weekend

The City of Fremantle has supported parkrun with a $7,500 grant to establish an ongoing local event.

Fremantle’s first-ever parkrun will launch tomorrow, Saturday 20 November at South Beach Recreation Reserve.

There are 428 parkrun locations across Australia where walkers, joggers and runners can take part in a free, timed 5km run every Saturday. WA boasts 42 parkrun locations, stretching all the way from Kununurra in the north, Albany in the south and Kalgoorlie in the east.

Event directors Daithí deBaróid and Lynn O’Driscoll both reside in the area with their young families and recognised early on the potential for a parkrun to build a sense of social interaction and human connection within the Fremantle community.

“Not only can it provide motivation to people to move and get some exercise, but it also provides many opportunities to volunteer, meet new people and sit down and have a chat and a coffee with your neighbour afterwards,” Ms O’Driscoll said.

“Anyone is welcome to join in, they just need to register for free through the parkrun website and download their unique barcode.”

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge welcomed Freo’s inaugural parkrun and congratulated the dedicated group of local volunteers and enthusiastic parkrunners in the community for launching the South Beach parkrun.

“People of all abilities are encouraged to take part – whether you walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate – it's up to you,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

“The 5km run will take in some of South Freo’s best sites as runners jut onto the groin at Catherine Point, run through the tree tunnel at CY O’Connor beach and even hit the compact sand of South Beach for the last kilometre.

“Make sure to stick around afterwards for a post parkrun coffee at Bistro 21 and get to know your fellow parkrunners.”

The weekly event kicks off at 8am every Saturday, and the start line is marked by the parkrun flags located near the bandstand, south of the playground.

For more information and to register visit the parkrun website.

The City is also sponsoring the Fremantle Running Festival next Sunday 28 November. After last year’s success, the WA Marathon Club is bringing back the event to the streets of Fremantle to support Diabetes WA.

This popular community event provides runners with the option of a half marathon, 10km run or 5km walk/run. Plus, there’s a kids’ dash for the youngsters.  

Visit the WA Marathon Club website to learn more and register.