No date yet for return of Port Macquarie and Wauchpoe parkrun

There hasn't been a parkrun anywhere in the world since March because of the coronavirus pandemic. The last event at Port Macquarie was held on March 31.

Parkruns are usually conducted every Saturday morning.

Taree parkrun official Margie Lewis said she had notification from parkrun global this week.

"They haven't given any indication as to when we might be able to resume,'' she said.

"There's no indication how they'll roll it out either- whether it's country-by-country or all starting together on the one date.''

Read more: Port Macquarie parkrun breaks 350 runner record

Margie believes if the decision is to go country-by-country Australia would be well placed to be among the first to resume. However, this would also be subject to approval by State and federal authorities.

"There's also the issue of mental health and that's very important at the moment,'' she said.

"Parkrun is very beneficial for mental health.''

Margie agreed that parkrun does have problems with social distancing, particularly at the start when the runners gather in a 'funnel.' Those who walk the course also tend to do so in groups.

Margie said this is something that would have to be addressed whilever social distancing restrictions are in place.

Parkrun came to Port Macquarie October 31, 2015. The event was averaging around 174 starters a week before the shutdown - and that's only those who finish the 5km run along the Port Macquarie foreshore. There's no compulsion to complete the two laps of the course or even to run the journey.

However, only those who do finish the 5km are counted in the weekly results.

"We usually get around 200 starters there each week,'' Sue Fitzgerald explained.

"People are missing it, I know I am. Parkrun's free and it's a great way to stay fit.''

Port Macquarie parkrun was the second on the Mid North Coast following Taree which started in May 2015. Now events are held at Forster, Gloucester and Wauchope. Gloucester parkrun started in January, the first event attracting nearly 500 starters.

Sue hopes parkrun will be back by the Port event's fifth anniversary on October 31. She expects there'll be a record turnout when parkrun does resume, whenever that is.

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