While the parkrun event committee hope to never use a newly received defibrillator, they say it gives them peace of mind in case of emergency.
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Port Macquarie-Hastings running group Plodders, Ironman Australia, Wednesday Run Group and LJ Hooker banded together to raise $2000 to help fund the defibrillator.
Event directors of parkrun Sue Fitzgerald and Keith Robinson thanked the community members for their support.
A training session will be held for the directors of parkrun so they can be aware of how to use the device in an emergency situation.
When in use the defibrillator gives voice commands to the user to help them operate the device.
Mr Robinson said it’s up to the individual to be aware of their own fitness level when participating in parkrun.
“If people aren’t up to running the five kilometres we advise them to walk,” he said.
“It’s not a race.”
Ms Fitzgerald said there is always a tail runner who runs behind the last participant.
She said there is no pressure for the last person to keep up with the rest of the group.
Every parkrun participant carries a barcode with their in case of emergency contact printed on it.