Parkruns are free, weekly, 5km timed runs, usually at 7am each Saturday, open to everyone and are safe and easy to take part in.

They take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and people of every ability including walkers are encouraged to take part.

Cloncurry joined the parkrun fun last year and now people are kicking off the concept in Isa.

Sarah Choyce said she was new to town but was familiar with the concept from Toowoomba.

“I knew there would be enough people interested here (in Mount Isa) but thought it might take a little bit to get up,” Ms Choyce said.

“It seems to be attracting a lot of interest. Parkrun is about getting people outside and bringing people together and of course there’s the usual physical, mental and social benefits,” she said.

Ms Choyce held a meeting last week to gauge further interest and look at possible courses.

“My idea with the meeting is to make it sustainable with the volunteers and get people thinking about how that set-up could work,” she said.

“There will be funding grants needed and parkrun Australia helps us organise that and we’ll also need permission from the landowner to run on their course.”

Ms Choyce said she was already scouting possible venues for the course in Mount Isa.

“I’ve driven around and seen some possible courses and I’m meeting a lady who has been here a lot longer than me and has two courses in mind, so we’ll put our heads together and see what we come up with.”