THE GUELPH EDITION of the worldwide parkrun phenomenon launches this coming Saturday, June 22, 9 am at the Eramosa River Trail, just east of the Covered Bridge (arrive at least 15 min early for the pre-run briefing).
There are six things to grasp about parkrun that make the event different from a regular road race:
- it’s FREE (sign up once online, and receive an identifying barcode, no charge)
- it’s WEEKLY (every Saturday at 9 am, year-round)
- it’s DROP-IN (come whenever you want, no week-to-week registration, just bring your barcode ID)
- it’s for EVERYONE (runners, walkers, strollers, kids, even pets on leash)
- it’s a TIMED RUN (the distance is 5K, everyone gets a time, but it’s not necessarily a race)
- it’s SOCIAL (we gather afterwards for coffee, attendance optional)
parkrun is low-key and do-it-yourself (the lowercase “p” in the name is deliberate). Our event, like all parkruns, is organized by volunteers, with no swag, no bibs, no medals, no t-shirt, no awards, no water (bring your own), and no podium. You do get an email with your result after the run, usually within a couple of hours of finishing. Amazing!
The Victors have spearheaded the local parkrun organizing group over the past six months, and our club is one of five major financial supporters. We encourage all our members to take part — if and when they feel like it!
Go here to register for parkrun, select Eramosa River Trail as your Home Run, and select the running club you want to affiliate with (Guelph Victors, Up and Running, Bar Toads, or Running Works Run Crew). Easy-peasy. Soon you’ll be the proud owner of your very own parkrun barcode, good for life!