Mount Isa is gearing up for its first ever parkrun on Easter Saturday and there will be a special guest for the day.
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Event organiser Sarah Choyce said parkrun ambassador Dale Murray will be in town for the event’s debut.
“He used to live in Mount Isa and he helped set it up so he is coming out for the first event,” Ms Choyce said.
“He helps people set up the run and he was instrumental in getting the Commonwealth Games legacy funding which is why it is happening so quickly.”
Ms Choyce had been hoping to get it up and running before winter but with the help of Mount Isa City Council and parkrun Australia was able to get it up and running by March 31.
“A huge thank you for their support to make this happen, in what I think, may just be record time,” Ms Choyce said.
“Parkruns are a great way to get active, get connected and get involved in the community.”
Over 70 people have registered for the day and that doesn’t include others who make have registered other parkruns, such as Cloncurry, as their home run.
Parkruns are free, weekly, 5km timed runs, usually at 7am each Saturday, open to everyone and are safe and easy to take part in. There will be a first timers briefing at 6.45am.
Parkruns are a great way to get active, get connected and get involved in the community
- Sarah Choyce
The Mount Isa route will start and finish at the northern end of Tharrapatha Way at the corner of Davis Rd and Urquhart St with parking north of Davis Rd.
It will be a two lap course, with the first longer lap going down to Alma St and back, and a shorter second lap with a turnaround near Barkly Highway State School at the rock which marks the start of the Outback to the Stack 5km race.
People of every ability including walkers are encouraged to take part but they must register beforehand and bring the barcode with them so they can get a time, also barcodes must be printed off as they cannot be downloaded from phones on the day.
Ms Choyce said it was important everyone knows and abides by the parkrun code which includes paying attention to the pre-race brief, keeping under 11s close to guardians, one dog max on a short leash, being mindful of your environment, and thanking the volunteers.
Volunteers are needed for future races. Express your interest on the Mount Isa parkrun Facebook page.